Simulation of sand particles detection inside a pipeline by photon radiography

Transmission pipelines are vital arteries in the petroleum industry, as the survival of this system depends on maintaining the capability of transferring fluid through the pipelines. In petroleum industry, transfer system faults lead to significant economic and social consequences and sometimes may produce critical situations. Transmission pipelines connect all systems, and any defect in their functions adversely affects other systems directly or indirectly. Small quantities of sand particles in transmission pipelines in petroleum industries can cause significant damage to pipes or installations such as valves. Therefore, the detection of these solid particles in oil or gas pipelines is essential. To prevent the costly consequences of passing sand particles through pipelines, early detection of these particles has a crucial impact on equipment lifetime and availability. There are some techniques for the detection of sand particles in the pipelines. Among applicable methods, photon radiography can be applied as an inspection technique along with other methods, or in some cases, where conventional inspection tools cannot be used. The high velocity of solid particles inside the pipeline leads to the destruction of any measuring device that is placed inside it. In addition, the pressure drop due to the placement of the measuring devices inside the pipeline has negative effects on the fluid transfer capacity of the pipe, which ultimately leading adverse economic consequences. In this paper, photon radiography as an in-situ, non-destructive, and online method for detecting sand particles flowing through the pipelines with oil, gas, or brine was studied. Simulation based on the Monte Carlo calculation was applied to evaluate the impact of this technique on sand particle detection in a pipeline. Obtained results showed that radiography, as a reliable, fast, and non-destructive method, could detect solid particles in transmitting pipelines.