Eddy Current-Based Crack Detection Sensor for Unpiggable Transmission Lines

Under Development

Northeast Gas Association, NYSEARCH More »

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Threats and Integrity Management -- Anomaly Detection and Characterization

The PHMSA-funded project develops and tests an Anisotropic Magneto Resistive (AMR) Eddy Current (EC)-based sensor for live, in-line inspection of 6 to 8-inch diameter, unpiggable natural gas pipelines. The sensor system has been proven through a separate feasibility study to function with a minimal power requirements. The AMR EC crack sensor is suited to the operational characteristics of the Explorer series of robotic platforms where space and power are inherently limited.

The sensor incorporates an eddy current based technology, developed by RMD Inc., that can be integrated onto the Explorer 6 - 8 inches robotic platform, which was developed with PHMSA co-funding and commercialized in 2010 by NYSEARCH and Invodane Engineering (through Pipetel Technologies, the commercial service company of Invodane Engineering).

Increased Safety - In-line inspection is one of the main procedures for integrity management of steel transmission lines. Crack damage is recognized as a major reason for failure of on-shore underground steel pipes. The crack detection sensor reduces the risks of failure and results in decrease in maintenance cost and system downtime.

https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/matrix/PrjHome.rdm?prj=648