Study of gas pipelines cracks using transmission and Compton scattering

Authors

  • Marcela Ferreira Freitas Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear
  • Cesar Marques Salgado Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15392/bjrs.v9i2A.432

Keywords:

gas pipelines, densitometry, gamma ray source, Compton scattering, cracks

Abstract

Most of the natural gas production is transported through pipelines that require periodic inspections to evaluate the structural integrity of the pipelines due to possible defects caused by degradation that can rupture causing leakage of the fluid causing major disasters. Based on this, the project presents a methodology for predicting cracks in pipe used in gas pipelines. The approximation is based on the principles of gamma densitometry to calculate the density of the pipe wall in order to investigate possible cracks. The natural gas fluid is found in such systems and interferes in the density calculations and therefore will be considered in the simulations. The detection system uses a narrow beam geometry appropriately, comprising gamma ray source (137Cs) and NaI(Tl) 3"x3" detectors for calculating transmitted and scattered photons. Different positioning angles of the detector are investigated.  In this study, the MCNP-X code is used to perform the simulations, in order to develop a counting geometry. Simulations of different thicknesses of the crack were also used to determine the minimum thickness detected by the two NaI(Tl) detectors. Having equipment that can estimate cracks present in pipes used in gas pipelines, in addition to predicting their location can reduce costs and make a major contribution to this sector.

 

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Author Biographies

Marcela Ferreira Freitas, Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear

CENS

Cesar Marques Salgado, Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear

DIRA

References

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Published

2021-07-24

How to Cite

Freitas, M. F., & Salgado, C. M. (2021). Study of gas pipelines cracks using transmission and Compton scattering. Brazilian Journal of Radiation Sciences, 9(2A (Suppl.). https://doi.org/10.15392/bjrs.v9i2A.432

Issue

Section

XX Meeting on Nuclear Reactor Physics and Thermal Hydraulics (XX ENFIR)

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