Solid-State Sensors and Sensor Arrays for Advanced Pipe Inspection

Nuclear power is an important part of the Nations energy security providing 20 percent of U.S. electricity generation without the emission of gases associated with global climate change and air pollution. The DOE would like to improve and optimize the performance of nuclear power plants by improving the reliability of monitoring plant equipment to improve diagnostics, safety and reliability. This includes new technology for non-destructive evaluation (NDE). Preliminary research at RMD has shown that its new solid state AMR sensors for eddy current test (ECT) and NDE can be fabricated as linear arrays on flexible sheets that contour to complex shapes like curved pipes and welds. RMD and its industrial partners will capitalize on the unique performance features of AMR sensors to develop and test sensors designed specifically for the challenges of pipe inspection. Both laboratory samples and actual pipe samples from failures in the field will be evaluated to create sensors for superior NDE of pipes. The solid-state sensor arrays conform to curved surfaces such as the inside of pipes making it possible to more closely inspect components resulting in faster, higher sensitivity and more reliable detection of defects. The sensor arrays will be compatible with existing ECT equipment making them readily adoptable for superior ECT by industries using ECT including power generation, aircraft inspection, transportation, oil drilling, and pipeline inspection.