Fault detection for pipelines

摘要

The invention concerns a structural integrity assessment system and method for determining stress concentration zones in a structure, such as a pipeline. The invention comprises a magnetic field sensor array arranged to be moved relative to the structure in a known direction. A controller is provided for recording one or more magnetic field readings taken by the magnetic field sensor array at different locations in the direction of movement thereof. A processor is arranged to identify one or more feature within said values, said feature being indicative of a region of reduced structural integrity in the structure. The processor also receives a data input for a further parameter corresponding to the location of the sensor array and compares the feature with the further parameter in order to verify that said feature corresponds to a region of reduced structural integrity for the structure.

主权项

1. A method of assessment of the integrity of a structure comprising:
positioning one or more magnetic field sensors at a first location spaced from the structure; taking two or more magnetic field readings at the first location; taking two or more magnetic field readings at one or more further locations spaced from the structure; processing the plurality of magnetic field reading values to identify a feature within said values, said feature being indicative of a region of reduced structural integrity in the structure; and, outputting an indication of said region of reduced structural integrity in dependence upon the feature, wherein the feature is a magnetic field gradient detected in a first direction and is automatically cross-referenced with a further magnetic field gradient determined in a further direction at the same location to confirm the presence of said region of reduced structural integrity.