Pipeline structural health monitoring using distributed fiber optic sensing textile*

This paper explored the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of pipelines by using fiber optic cables embedded into textiles and interrogated using Brillouin Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (BOTDR). Embedded fiber optic sensing textile would result in significant cost reduction by reducing installation time, which lowers the labor cost and the cost of work stoppage which can be substantial for certain applications like oil & gas. Also, embedding fiber into fabric provides additional protection and allows the design of different layout patterns to accommodate the requirements of a project. A strain characterization experiment was conducted to study the performance of the sensor while monitoring structural changes on an HDPE (High-density Polyethylene) pipe. Additionally, a specific sensor pattern was explored to enhance the overall sensing area of the sensor. During the test, changes in the strain distribution on the pipe were measured as the pipe was subjected to a loading of 0-600 lb. The maximum strain values measured were 1322 mu SMALL ELEMENT OF and 2465 mu SMALL ELEMENT OF for the intact and damaged pipe respectively and the highest standard deviation was 0.212. These results demonstrated the capability of the sensors to detect damages on pipelines.