Pipeline leak detection and corrosion monitoring based on a novel FBG pipe-fixture sensor

Abstract

Pipeline leakage and pipeline internal corrosion are two serious threats to pipeline safety operation. In this study, based on the measurement theory of pipeline internal diameter variation and a numerical simulation analysis of existing sensor shortcomings, a novel FBG pipe-fixture sensor is designed and developed to detect pipeline leakage and monitor pipeline internal corrosion simultaneously. A calibration test is conducted, and the test results indicate that the FBG pipe-fixture sensor solves the problem of a large difference between the test values and the theoretical values and eliminates the limitation of measurement range. To validate the actual performance of the sensor, a pipeline leak detection test and a pipeline internal corrosion monitoring test are, respectively, conducted on a steel pipe leak test platform and a steel pipe with different simulated corrosion levels. The test results demonstrate that the FBG pipe-fixture sensor can effectively detect pipe leakage and decrease the localization error of the leakage point to within 1 m. The sensor can also effectively monitor pipe internal corrosion and evaluate the internal corrosion degree with a measurement accuracy of 0.1 mm. The novel FBG pipe-fixture sensor may be a potential sensor for pipeline leak detection and pipeline internal corrosion monitoring.