Thinning pipe wall evaluation by using electric potential difference method

Abstract

Electric potential difference method is widely used for diagnosing and monitoring flow conduits. We study the prospect of the method to evaluate pipe wall thinning. Based on our previous work on non-intrusive resistance thermometer for fast breeder reactor, this paper describes theoretical analysis and the 3-D exact solution of the electrical potential field in pipe wall. Complex potentials are applied for 2-D approximation of the potential on the wall surface to evaluate the pipe wall thinning.