By mimicking how bats use differing wavelengths of ultrasound to detect objects, hunt, and avoid predators, engineers have developed a new system that combines two separate types of radiation, fast neutrons and gamma rays, to detect corrosion — a major cause of pipeline leaks.

With thousands of kilometers of pipelines used to transport oil and gas over huge distances globally, leaks are a major issue costing millions annually, and they have the potential to cause accidents and injuries as well as significant environmental damage.

Typically, corrosion in oil pipelines is measured with ultrasonic or electromagnetic techniques. However, these are not practical for underground pipelines or for pipelines covered with insulating layers of concrete or plastic.

The new system exploits the reflected signals, known as backscatter, of a combination of isolated fast neutrons and gamma rays, which have useful complementary characteristics. Neutrons interact mainly with low-density materials like plastics, and fast neutrons have a high penetrating power so they are suitable for probing thick materials. Gamma rays interact mainly with metals and are not always able to penetrate very thick materials of high density.

The two radiation types produce different electronic signals. This means researchers can retain data on both types of radiation simultaneously using a novel detecting device called a “Mixed Field Analyzer,” previously developed by Lancaster University and Hybrid Instruments Ltd.

The system produces a pencil-like beam of probing radiation of neutrons and gamma rays, which is directed at the steel section being inspected.

The team tested the two imaging techniques in real time in a laboratory on samples of carbon-steel of different thicknesses. They were able to see differences in steel thickness. The sensors also worked when an insulating layer was replicated, with concrete or plastic, indicating the likelihood that defects in steels, as well as corrosion and rust, would produce variations in the backscatter. These results indicate that if used on real pipelines, potential issues could be more easily detected and resolved before oil and gas is able to escape.

“The combined beams of neutrons and gamma rays in parallel bouncing back to an array of detectors yield a comprehensive and fast representation of the inner structure of the steel,” said Mauro Licata, PhD researcher on the project.

“This system works a bit like the chirps made by bats. These chirps are a superposition of different ultrasound wavelengths that bounce back to the bats’ ears. As well as highlighting the benefits of combining multiple reflection sensing techniques to detect for problems such as corrosion, our work further illustrates the significant potential that can be had from taking inspiration from, and mimicking, systems that have evolved in the natural world.”

“Isolating neutrons and gamma rays backscattered from a steel surface in real time, in a way analogous to the way bats’ brains isolate backscatter ultrasound and thus avoid confusion with their own chirps, could help us isolate flaws in pipe walls more quickly and effectively,” said Professor Malcolm Joyce.

The researchers suggest the technology could also be used in other applications, such as inspecting the integrity of structures like bridges.

For more information, contact Mauro Licata at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.