Crack detection in pipelines using multiple electromechanical impedance sensors

An extensive network of pipeline systems is used to transport and distribute national energy resources that heavily influence a nation's economy. Therefore, the structural integrity of these pipeline systems must be monitored and maintained. However, structural damage detection remains a challenge in pipeline engineering. To this end, this study developed a modified electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique for crack detection that involves fusing information from multiple sensors. We derived a new damage-sensitive feature factor based on a pipeline EMI model that considers the influence of the bonding layer between the EMI sensors and pipeline. We experimentally validated the effectiveness of the proposed method. Finally, we used a damage index—root mean square deviation—to examine the degree and position of crack damage in a pipeline. (paper)