APPLICATION OF PULSED EDDY CURRENT TECHNIQUE FOR INSPECTION OF INSULATED PIPES

Abstract

In this paper the use of Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) technique is analyzed for inspecting insulated pipes, commonly used in industries such as power generation, petrochemical, and oil and gas. PEC technique uses pulsed electromagnetic fields to generate eddy currents in the conductive material, allowing detection in wall thickness and material integrity. In the experimental part an insulated pipe is investigated with the PEC technique for corrosion or wall thinning defect of the material, without the need to remove the insulation. The paper involves experimental testing on insulated pipe of structural steel with composite insulation and the results show the potential of PEC as a reliable tool for maintenance and inspection, especially for reducing operational costs and downtime associated with insulation removal.