Development of an AMR Eddy Current-Based Crack Detection Sensor for the Live Inspection of UnPiggable Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines

Main Objective

The main objective of this project is to develop, test and commercialize an Anisotropic Magneto Resistive (AMR) Eddy Current (EC)-based sensor for live, in-line inspection of 6" - 8" diameter, unpiggable natural gas pipelines. This miniaturized sensor system has been proven through a separate feasibility study to have minimal power requirements. Also, the AMR EC crack sensor is suited to the operational characteristics of the Explorer series of robotic platforms where space and power are inherently limited. This project merges the expertise of NYSEARCH and its members, an innovative sensor designer Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc., and Invodane Engineering/Pipetel Technologies; the licensee, sensor integrator and commercial service provider for the Explorer range of commercial inspection platforms and sensing technologies.

Public Abstract

This is a project for the development, laboratory testing, field testing and commercialization of an Anisotropic Magneto Resistive (AMR)-based eddy current (EC)-sensor system for the live, in-line crack inspection of piggable and unpiggable natural gas pipelines. The sensor incorporates an eddy current based technology, developed by RMD Inc., that can be integrated onto the Explorer 6/8 robotic platform (6" - 8" pipelines), which was developed with PHMSA cofunding and commercialized in 2010 by NYSEARCH and Invodane Engineering (through Pipetel Technologies, the commmercial service company of Invodane Engineering). NYSEARCH is currently partnering with RMD Inc. to develop the basic sensory technology, which will be integrated into the Explorer 6/8 in this proposed phase. While the proposed crack sensor will be built for the 6" - 8" pipe size range, the design is expected to be easily scalable to platforms for other pipe sizes (smaller and larger). This work will be conducted by a team consisting of NYSEARCH, RMD Inc., and Invodane Engineering. The proposed project will require (27) months and will be completed with the commercialization of the technology.

Quarterly Status Reports

1st Quarter Report, NYSEARCH Project Management - Public Page

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2nd Quarter Report, NYSEARCH Project Management - Public Page

RMD-Crack-Sensor-DoT-2nd-Quarterly-rpt-PUBLIC-PAGE.doc (33,792 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

3rd Quarter Report, NYSEARCH Project Management - Public Page

RMD-Crack-Sensor-DoT-3rd-Quarterly-rpt-PUBLIC-PAGE.pdf (115,849 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

4th Quarter Report, NYSEARCH Project Management - Public Page

RMD-Crack-Sensor-DoT-4th-Quarterly-rpt-PUBLIC-PAGE.pdf (117,472 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]