Application of Data Transmission Capability on Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines

摘要

Third party damage is as a significant factor in natural gas pipeline failures. 75% of pipeline failures induced by a third party occur immediately following impact. Current inspection techniques are both labor intensive and expensive to implement and they represent only a point in time status. The objective is for a near real time detection and communication system that utilizes the pipe itself, i.e., a "smart pipe". The industry is calling for an inexpensive rugged process that transmits the state of the pipe. The INEEL is developing a near real time damage detection and location system that utilizes resistive traces applied to the wall of the pipe, which detects damage by measuring the strain state of the pipeline. This data will also allow for efficient repairs and emergency response. The technique employed is a network of thermally sprayed resistive traces deposited on either the interior or exterior wall of the pipeline. The ability of a thermally sprayed resistive trace to detect damage is due to the unique manner in which a porous metal changes resistivity when placed under strain.