Nondestructive Detection of Defect in a Pipe Using Thermography

An infrared temperature sensor module developed for the detection of defects in a plate was modified to use in a cylinder. A set of optical fiber leads and a mechanism maintaining sensor-object distance constant were utilized for the modification of the IR sensor module. The detection performance was experimentally investigated, and the measured temperature was also compared with computed temperature distribution. The experimental outcome indicates that the detection of a simulated defect is readily available. The temperature distribution is better for defect detection than that with the previous device. In addition, the measured distribution is comparable to the calculated one using a heat conduction equation. The developed device of defect detection is suitable to be utilized in chemical processes where most of vessels and piping systems are in the shape of a cylinder.