Relaxor Piezoelectric Single Crystals for Guided Wave Pipe Inspection

Shipboard piping inspection is a key factor in assessing the sea worthiness of naval craft. Other piping applications such as fuel lines are also critical. Ultrasonic guided waves have recently received much attention for inspecting complex pipelines. Guided wave pipeline inspection is typically carried out by placing an array of piezoceramic or piezocomposite transducers on the pipe and exciting a guided wave that travels along the pipe axis. The technology is currently limited by guided wave penetration power that can be achieved with the current sensing materials. FBS, Inc. proposes applying relaxor based single crystal composite materials to guided wave pipeline inspection for Navy ships. The technology will also be applicable to all other un-piggable pipelines; such as those in the natural oil and gas industry. Single crystals, which have yet to be applied to guided wave applications, may provide a much needed increase in sensor sensitivity, bandwidth, and penetration power, which would in-turn allow increased inspection distances and sensitivity. Increased penetration power would also allow higher frequency guided wave inspections which would increase inspection sensitivity.