Investigation of Multiphase Condition in Pipeline Using Gamma Computed Tomography

Abstract

INVESTIGATION OF MULTIPHASE CONDITION IN PIPELINE USING GAMMA COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY. The deposition of sand particles in pipeline is a problem that often occurs in the production and distribution of oil and gas. It could cause increased pressure, equipment failure, pipeline erosion, and production decline. It is very necessary to investigate internal condition of the pipeline without interrupting the operation. Gamma computed tomography (CT) is a technique that can image the internal structure of an object without interrupting or damaging the object (non-destructive testing). This paper presents a preliminary experimental study of multiphase (solid, liquid, and gaseous) conditions inside a horizontal pipe using gamma CT technique. A collimated 137 Cs source with 3.7 GBq activity emitted gamma photons to penetrate a 14 inches diameter horizontal pipe containing sand, water, and gasoline. The photons that penetrated object were detected using a scintillation detector at the other side of object. The scanner system performed translation and rotation scans to get 64 projection data, which will then be reconstructed into an image. The reconstructed images were able to show the pipe wall and the condition of the inside of pipe which was filled with sand, water, and gasoline. The pixel value is linear to material density with R 2 = 0.9543. The result indicated the potential of gamma CT as a suitable technique to be used to investigate the multiphase conditions in the pipeline.

On-Stream Pipe Scale Inspection Using Gamma-Ray Tomography Technique: Field Experiment in Karaha Geothermal Power Plant, Indonesia

“…These characteristics can be used to recognize, measure thickness, and even predict density of scale in pipes. Related experiments have been carried out in the laboratory [16,21].…”