Multi-Layered Sensor Head Design for Magnetic Flux Leakage Inspection of Pipelines

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The most common technology used for in-line inspection (ILI) of oil and gas pipelines is magnetic flux leakage (MFL) based methods. MFL is able to detect and size metal loss anomalies in the pipe wall. The method works by saturating the pipe wall with a magnetic field, between two rings of permanent magnets. The metal loss from the pipe wall is detected by a ring of sensors between the magnets which records the magnetic field which leaks out of the pipe. Desjardins Integrity Ltd. of Calgary has expertise in in-line inspection of pipelines for oil and gas pipelines. However, the current MFL inspection tools have challenges distinguishing two anomalies that have different morphologies but the same volume of metal loss and determining whether defects occur from internal or external surfaces. Through the close collaboration between the University of Calgary and Desjardins Integrity Ltd., we propose to develop a new sensor head that consists of multi-layered hall sensors to overcome the challenges of determining different anomalies and location of anomalies whether inside or outside of pipes. The applicant has the expertise and experience in the design, manufacturing and signal processing of various sensors. The outcome of this collaborative project would enable Desjardins to come up with new technologies and broaden their customer base. The novel MFL inspection method would also provide a better understanding of different anomalies or defects in pipelines and would improve the accuracy of in-line inspection operations.