Wall thickness measurement of pipes by using digital radiography

Abstract

One of the most important parameters in a pipeline to be monitored and measured is the wall thickness. Pipe wall thickness can vary after a certain period of time, as a result of accumulation of various chemical or physical effects. Pipe wall thickness can be monitored by the proper use of ultrasonic or radiographic inspection methods even while the plant is in operation. Only the radiographic method assures inspection without costly removal of insulation material during operation of the plant. The purpose of this study is to define the wall thickness of pipes by using digital radiography technique. The outer diameter of the studied pipes is ranging from 51 mm to 60.3 mm and wall thickness is ranging from 2.9 mm to 3.6 mm. Experiments were repeated by changing the "focal detector distance" and "pulse" parameters.