Detection of Interfaces And Voids in Pipelines Using Gamma Scanning

Industrial activity involves plenty of technical problems to which solutions are sought at various levels, from trouble shooting to complete investigation and modeling of processes or plants, or development of new technologies. The purpose of this investigation is to apply the gamma scanning technique to detect the interface, voids present in pipe lines. The results of experiments performed in a leading petrochemical complex are presented. Gamma scanning of the pipeline carrying para xylene was carried out in three different orientations of the pipe line using Cesium-137 and the transmitted radiation intensity was recorded by using Scintillation detector NaI (Tl). Interface location and presence of voids in some of the bends were successfully identified using this technique. The interface locations observed were not found to be stable but oscillating up and down with some well-defined period of oscillation.