Radio Frequency Interrogation of Sensors in Metal Pipes for Structural Health Monitoring

Abstract

We report on an excitation and detection of radio frequency (RF) waves into natural gas pipeline-relevant pipes to enable internal structural health monitoring technologies. Specifically, we present on modeling of meander dipole, patch, and vertical antennas for launching RF waves into a carbon steel pipe followed by an experimental demonstration. RF waves were launched into a 70-m long pipe and propagation characteristics of TE11 mode through the entire pipe was studied. While the experimental loss was considerably higher compared to the theoretical prediction, the waves allowed the interrogation of wireless and passive sensors.