Demonstration of detection of the multiple pipe wall thinning defects using microwaves

In this study, the applicability of a nondestructive method using microwaves to the detection of multiple pipe wall thinning defects was investigated. In numerical simulation, a single full circumferential defect was introduced into a straight pipe of 19 mm inner diameter, and the effect of the defect on transmitted waves was investigated. The transmitted energy ratio of the TM₀₁ mode to the emitted wave was found to be 93% in average even in the presence of a 1-mm depth thinning. After that, experimental measurements were performed using a flanged brass tube with two artificial thinning defects. By applying signal processing to the measured S-parameters, clear reflections from the two defects were observed. By comparing the signals, we confirmed that the first full circumferential defect provides at most 12% amplitude attenuation of the reflected signal from the second defect, which should be related to the distance and size of the defects.