What Does
Magnetic Flux Leakage Mean?
Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) is a non-destructive testing method used to detect corrosion and pitting in steel pipelines. MFL utilizes a powerful magnet that magnetizes the pipeline and then uses a flux sensor device that locates the points where there is leakage of magnetic field.
Trenchless rehabilitation methods such as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), sliplining, pipe bursting and thermoformed pipe can be used to repair or replace pipes damaged by corrosion and pitting.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Magnetic Flux Leakage
MFL uses a tool with a magnetizer body that has a sensor placed between two powerful rare-earth magnets. The magnets create a magnetic circuit along with the wall of the pipe. A the tool passes along the pipe and creates a magnetic field, the sensors pick up any disruptions or interruptions in the magnetic circuit. These disruptions can be caused by metal loss due to corrosion or other manufacturing defects.
High magnetization levels are required to differentiate between corrosion and other pipeline features. The magnetic flux remains constant if the metal has no flaws.