Ultrasound Imaging of Pipeline Crack Based on Composite Transducer Array

Abstract

Cracks, especially small cracks are difficult to be detected in oil and gas transportation pipelines buried underground or covered with layers of material by using the traditional ultrasonic inspection techniques. Therefore, a new composite ultrasonic transducer array with three acoustic beam incidence modes is developed. The space model of the array is also established to obtain the defect reflection point location. And the crack ultrasound image is thus formed through a series of small cubical elements expanded around the point locations by using the projection of binarization values extracted from the received ultrasonic echo signals. Laboratory experiments are performed on a pipeline sample with different types of cracks to verify the effectiveness and performance of the proposed technique. From the image, the presence of small cracks can be clearly observed, in addition to the sizes and orientations of the cracks. The proposed technique can not only inspect common flaws, but also detect cracks with various orientations, which is helpful for defect evaluation in pipeline testing.

An ultrasonic in-line inspection data processing method considering invalid data caused by sensor failure

“…(vi) By substituting the calculation results into the signal value corresponding to the mapping function equations ( 21)- (23), each sampling position's R, G and B components can be calculated, and the pseudo-color image can be generated by combining them…”

“…Abbasi et al proposed a weld imaging data processing method based on a multi-scanning mode for defects in different directions of pipeline welds and realized the processing of detection data using weight-building technology [22]. Song et al developed an ultrasonic transducer array that integrates three incidence modes of acoustic beams, established a spatial model of the array, and completed the ultrasonic imaging of pipeline defects [23]. To reduce the inspection time and cost, Karkoub et al utilized a small mobile robot and a catadioptric omnidirectional vision system to pre-scan the pipeline before using the other methods [24].…”

Three-Dimensional-Scanning of Pipe Inner Walls Based on Line Laser

“…As scanning technology progresses, the use of scanners for acquiring 3D pipe data has evolved into a proficient, precise, and nondestructive method [ 5 ], offering robust technical assistance in the building and upkeep of pipes, including ultrasonic scanners [ 6 ], magnetic scanners [ 7 ], structured light scanners [ 8 ], and capacitive scanners [ 9 ]. These technologies accurately gauge the 3D shape and structure of the pipe’s inner wall without direct contact.…”

Electromagnetic Acoustic Detection of Pipe Defects Hidden above T-Type Support Structures with Circumferential Shear Horizontal Guided Wave

“…The pipeline at the support area can easily incur defects due to the dual role of internal and external corrosion. Unsupported pipeline defect detection can use ultrasound [2,3], magnetic leakage [4,5], eddy current [6,7], rays [8], and other traditional methods of detection. However, supported pipeline detection is difficult, especially when the pipeline has been damaged.…”