Eddy Current Testing Methods and Design for Pipeline Inspection System: A Review

Abstract Non-destructive testing and complex systems integration are commonly used in transportation, aircraft, automotive, manufacturing, petrochemical, and defence. Eddy current testing (ECT) is a common non-destructive evaluation technique, especially in the coating, nuclear, and oil and gas industries. However, the eddy current testing method must continue to focus on the probe’s construction and application. It ascribed noisy data to inadequate detection and a severe false alarm problem. Nonetheless, only few academics have elaborated on the intelligent ECT crack detection method. This study provides an overview of the eddy current testing technique and the probe structure design elements that influence fracture detection accuracy. The first section describes the Eddy current testing by encircling coil system for a differential probe (ECDP) and an encircling coil for an absolute probe design (ECDP). The explanations focus mostly on the probe’s creation and detection in Rotating electromagnetic field eddy current (RoFEC). The advantages and disadvantages of eddy current testing surrounding probes are analysed. In addition, a summary of prior studies investigating testing samples of ferromagnetic pipe, steel rod, and wire rope is presented. The second segment focuses on Eddy current testing employing a Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor system, with a particular emphasis on sensor arrays, GMR, and conventional eddy current coils for crack identification. Finally, a comprehensive overview of eddy current testing methods and design for non-destructive pipeline inspection systems is presented.