Three‐dimensional magnetic flux leakage signal analysis and imaging method for tank floor defect

Abstract

The magnetic flux leakage (MFL) detection of defect in tank floor is of great significance to ensure the safety of the tank. The existing methods for defect analysis are based on one-dimensional MFL signals, which lead to simple quantification or two-dimensional contour identification of defect. In this study, the characteristics of the three-dimensional (3D) MFL signals of the bottom of the tank floor have been analysed. The sensitivity and correspondence of the components of MFL signals to various types of edge of defect have been studied, along with the correlation between signal intensity and the defect depth. This study also proposed a defect imaging method based on 3D MFL signals. This method adopts the Prewitt operator to detect the defect edge. Then, a finite element method is used to establish the corresponding relationship between defect depth and signal intensity, to solve the depth of a real defect. The method proposed in this study can achieve the contour recognition and depth estimation of the defect accurately, and further realise defect imaging. The finite element simulations test has verified the feasibility of the proposed method.