Oblique Field Magnetic Flux Leakage Inline Survey Tool: Implementation and Results Available to Purchase

InLine Inspection (ILI) tools using the magnetic flux leakage (MFL) technique are the most common type used for performing metal loss surveys worldwide. Based upon the very robust and proven magnetic flux leakage technique, these tools have been shown to operate reliably in the extremely harsh environments of transmission pipelines. In addition to metal loss, MFL tools are capable of identifying a broad range of pipeline features. Most MFL surveys to date have used tools employing axially oriented magnetizers, capable of detecting and quantifying many categories of volumetric metal loss features. For certain classes of axially oriented features, MFL tools using axially oriented fields have encountered difficulty in detection and subsequent quantification. To address features in these categories, tools employing circumferential or transversely oriented fields have been designed and placed into service, enabling enhanced detection and sizing for axially oriented features. In most cases, multiple surveys are required, as current tools do not incorporate the ability to collect both data sets concurrently. Applying the magnetic field in an oblique direction will enable detection of axially oriented features and may be used simultaneously with an axially oriented tool. Referencing previous research in adapting circumferential or transverse designs for inline service, the concept of an oblique field magnetizer will be presented. Models developed demonstrating the technique are discussed, shown with experimental data supporting the concept. Efforts involved in the implementation of an oblique magnetizer, including magnetic models for field profiles used to determine magnetizer configurations and sensor locations are presented. Experimental results are provided detailing the response of the system to a full range of metal loss features, supplementing modeling in an effort to determine the effects of variables introduced by magnetic property and velocity induced differences. Included in the experimental data results are extremely narrow axially oriented features, many of which are not detected or identified within the axial data set. Experimental and field verification results for detection accuracies will be described in comparison to an axial field tool.