Circumferential MFL In-Line Inspection for Cracks in Pipelines

Under Development

Battelle Columbus Laboratories More »

DOE - NETL

Threats and Integrity Management -- Anomaly Detection and Characterization

In this DOE-funded research, two technology enhancements to improve detection of cracks using MFL technology were investigated: (1) combining high- and low-magnetization technology for stress detection and (2) combining axial and circumferential MFL methods. This technology works by orienting the magnetic field around the pipe rather that along the axis. By orienting the magnetic field in the circumferential direction, the axial defects that were magnetically transparent disrupt more of the magnetic field and can be more easily detected.

Circumferential MFL is a new implementation that has potential to detect and quantify axially oriented defects such as cracks, seam weld defects, mechanical damage, and groove corrosion. The technology also provides the ability for improved detection of axially oriented volumetric defects. While successful results were obtained, circumferential MFL can only detect larger cracks.

Increased Safety - The system provide the ability of the detection of cracks in both axial and circumferential directions, this reducing the threats of pipeline failure due to metal and weld fatigue and defects.

Circumferential MFL for In-Line Inspection for Cracks in Pipelines, NETL-DOE, Agreement No. DE-FC26-01NT41159, December 2003.