Using Mathematical Methods to Compensate for Problems Resulting from Differences in Material Properties for Remote-Field Eddy Current Testing in Tubes

Abstract

Remote-field eddy current (RFEC) testing is a nondestructive testing method. It has been comprehensively applied to detect wall loss in ferromagnetic tubes. According to our experience, the problem of variations in a material's electromagnetic characteristics often occurred in practice in carbon steel tubes. Therefore, if we fail to compensate for changes in electromagnetic characteristics during inspection, an error of evaluation will be generated. This study applied the skin-depth theory of RFEC and geometric relationships on the voltage plane to derive a compensatory model using a mathematical methodology. The new evaluation curve established on the basis of this mathematical methodology compensates for the error contributed by changing electromagnetic characteristics in the tube. The method offered by this study has proved to be reasonable, feasible and acceptable in terms of its mathematical derivation and in comparison with experimental result.