Technology for Early Detection of Internal Corrosion of Pipeline Integrity

Under Development

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) More »

DOE - NETL

Threats and Integrity Management -- Anomaly Detection and Characterization

Magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) technology involves the launching of a mechanical “guided wave” pulse of a relatively low frequency (typically under 100 kHz) along a pipeline. Signals reflected from defects or welds are detected at the launch location in the pulse-echo mode. This technology can quickly examine a long length of piping for defects such as corrosion and circumferential cracking from a single test location, and is already used commercially for inspection of aboveground piping in refineries and chemical plants.

The potential impact of a successful method of determining extent and location of buried pipeline corrosion from a fixed signal location would be significant if successfully achieved.

Increased Safety - The project would minimize the efforts and costs associated with internal inspection or excavation-based inspection methodologies. The enhancement in pipeline monitoring would permit more frequent system evaluation resulting in an increase in overall safety and integrity of the natural gas infrastructure.

Monitoring Technology for Early Detection of Internal Corrosion of Pipeline Integrity, NETL-DOE, Agreement No. DE-FC26-02NT41319, 2003.