Radiation Physics and Engineering
A peer-reviewed journal published by K. N. Toosi University of Technology

Feasibility study of dual-energy limited-number-detector computed tomography of oil and gas pipelines

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Mostafa Kabir 1
Hossein Afarideh 1
Mitra Ghergherehchi 2
Jong-Seo Chai 2

1 Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea

https://doi.org/10.22034/rpe.2025.490153.1257
Abstract
Fluid transmission pipelines are prone to corrosion and sediment deposition due to the nature of the materials they carry. Deposits inside of the pipeline may worsen corrosion, leading to micro-cracks and pitting. Neglecting to assess these factors can lead pipelines to failures with catastrophic consequences. Various methods have been developed for this purpose, with techniques using penetrating X-rays and gamma rays being the most accurate and non-destructive. In this study, gamma-ray dual-energy computed-tomography was utilized as a precise and non-destructive method for detecting corrosion in pipeline walls. Projections were obtained using the Limited-Number-Detector Computed Tomography (LNDCT) technique for pipeline phantoms. Dual-energy techniques were employed, emitting gamma rays from suitable radioactive isotopes such using two radioisotopes, Am-241 and Cs-137. Projections at different angles were recorded using 15 NaI(Tl) 2-inch detectors, and the corresponding full-energy-peak were separated and organized in the sinogram matrix. Subsequently, image reconstruction was performed using the Filtered-Back-Projection (FBP) algorithm, and the quality of the reconstructed image was assessed. The reconstructed images demonstrate the effectiveness of the dual-energy method in distinguishing between light and heavy materials, potentially leading to higher image quality compared to single-energy methods. Detailed analysis of the data obtained from dual-energy tomography enables precise identification of defects, failures, and sedimentation, without damage to pipeline structures. This research contributes to enhancing the evaluation and monitoring methods for pipelines, improving the efficiency of these systems, and ultimately advancing safety and productivity in the oil and gas industry.

Highlights

  • Dual-energy technique for contrast enhancement of pipeline computed tomography.
  • Proactive pipeline condition monitoring with dual-energy LNDCT offers significant advantages.
  • Monte Carlo simulations were employed to optimize the dual-energy LNDCT system.
  • Innovative limited-number-detector computed tomography (LNDCT) technology was applied for image formation.

Keywords

Computed Tomography
Dual-energy technique
Pipelines Corrosion
Scale Measurement
NaI(Tl) detector
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Radiation Physics and Engineering
Volume 6, Issue 3
Spring 2025
Pages 27-33

  • Receive Date 23 November 2024
  • Revise Date 03 January 2025
  • Accept Date 09 January 2025

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