Large Stand-Off Magnetometry (LSM) for Buried Pipeline Inspection - Experimental study: Influence of dent depth on residual magnetic signal

Dents are among the anomalies which may be a threat to safe operation of pipelines. Dents are characterized by plastic deformation, which causes changes in the magnetic properties of the ferromagnetic pipe wall. Skipper NDT, a company at the forefront of LSM technology, conducted trials to characterize changes in magnetic properties around dents. The objective of the study was to improve the value of the results of the LSM inspections carried out for pipeline operators. Dents with a depth of 5%, 10 %, and 15% were indented on X42 pipes of 150 mm (6 inches) diameter, 7 mm wall thickness and 12 m length. Multiple gauges were located around the area of the dents to measure strain during indenting. Mechanical behavior was simulated using the Ansys finite element software to assess accurately the stress distribution around the impacted area and confirm the data recorded using the gauges. Before and after making the dents, magnetic properties were measured using high resolution three-components fluxgate magnetometers at several heights above the pipes on a proprietary test bench developed by Skipper NDT. This paper describes the experimental trials and the results in terms of magneto-mechanical behavior. It is concluded that LSM technology can be used to improve the detection and characterization of dents on pipelines.
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Pipeline Technology Journal 4/2020
Issue 4/2020 of ptj is the last special edition for the ptc - Pipeline Technology Conference
For the fourth time the ptj will feature all papers from the Pipeline Technology Conference.
On its 88 pages this issue will discuss several topics. From key cyber-security controls for reliable pipeline operation to the improvement of system reliability through fast-track force main replacement. This issue contains 9 papers from different companies.