Structured Waveform, Magnetic Field (SWMF) PIG Development for Cracks and Corrosion

Multiple major pipeline failures have been caused by seam weld defects not detected by available ILI technology [August 16, 2013 WSJ]. Phase I will demonstrate a game changing capability to deliver internal and external corrosion mapping and seam weld crack detection in a low-cost tool that “encourages more repetitive ILI runs and wider use.” JENTEK’s new through wall imaging method called SWMF is capable of inspecting at production flow speeds up to 15 m/s. SWMF along with the novel MR-MWM-Array construct, parallel architecture electronics, and HyperLattice (precomputed database)-based multivariate inverse methods (MIMs) will enable imaging of defects at high data rates without controlling lift-off (proximity to the internal pipe surface). This MIM approach enables independent imaging of wall thickness and longitudinal magnetic permeability, as well as differentiation of internal vs. external defects. Magnetic permeability is correlated with stress to assess the longitudinal strain and post weld heat treatment performance. The primary focus of Phase I will be on transverse & longitudinal cracks and internal & external corrosion.