A new measurement system using magnetic flux leakage method in pipeline inspection

Abstract

Today, natural gas and oil, called main energy sources, are transported by pipelines at long distances. Defects (corrosion, cracks, dents) in the buried pipelines can cause loss of life, environmental pollution and economic loss. Recently, devices called “Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG)” are used for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of defects in pipelines. In these devices, the magnetic flux leakage (MFL) technique comes into prominence as the inspection method. However, when the literature is examined, a study that examines the speed variable for defect detection has not been found. In this study, two new PIGs which can be used to investigate the speed variable while determining defects in pipelines are designed. For these new designs, a new magnetic measurement system with KMZ51 AMR sensors is developed. The voltage values of the sensors in the measurement system are saved to the computer by using LabVIEW-based software in sequential order via the NI USB-6210 data acquisition card. This data is also displayed on LCD screens by using MyRIO 1900. In the article, the mechanics of the developed system, its electronics and its software are examined in detail. Moreover, the usability of these new designs in determining pipeline defects are examined through an example experiment result with the Origin analysis program.