Engineers have developed a new scanning technique inspired by the natural world that can detect corroding metals in oil and gas pipelines.
Engineers have developed a new scanning technique inspired by the natural world that can detect corroding metals in oil and gas pipelines.
By mimicking how bats use differing wavelengths of ultrasound to detect objects, hunt, and avoid predators, engineers have developed a new system that combines two separate types of radiation, fast neutrons and gamma rays, to detect corrosion – a major cause of pipeline leaks.
With thousands of kilometres of pipelines used to transport oil and gas over huge distances globally, leaks are a major issue costing millions annually and have the potential to cause accidents and injuries as well as significant environmental damage.
Typically, corrosion in oil pipelines is measured with ultrasonic or electromagnetic techniques. However, these are not practical for underground pipelines, or for pipelines covered with insulating layers of concrete or plastic.
Read more at Lancaster University
Photo credit: Arulonline via Pixabay
