The GRI MFL test bed vehicle (TBV) was built as a test platform for use in the Pipeline Simulation Facility. This vehicle eliminates the need to develop a test platform for this research program on mechanical damage. The test bed vehicle makes it easier for research to attain field realism, which is something only vendor laboratories had been able to do previously.

MFL tools for pipeline inspections are completely self-contained units containing magnets, sensors, data conditioning and recording systems, and power systems. The systems used in most MFL tools include:

• A drive system, which is used to propel the tool through the line. Differential pressure acting on the drive system pulls the tool through the pipeline.
• A power system, which provides battery power for the sensor, data conditioning and recording systems.
• A magnetization system for magnetizing the pipe.
• A sensor system, used to measure a flux-leakage signal.
• A data conditioning and recording system, which amplifies, filters, and stores the measured signals.

The magnetic flux leakage (MFL) test bed vehicle (TBV) was designed to simulate current inspection technology as well advance the state of the art of this technology. Many components were designed so that different configurations could be achieved. A photograph of the three module test bed vehicle is shown below. The overall length is approximately 12 feet and it is configured for 24 inch diameter pipe. The three modules are the

• Propulsion / Battery module
• Magnetizer and sensor module
• Electronics module

MFL test bed vehicle

For more information on the MFL test bed vehicle, refer to GRI Pipeline Simulation Facility Magnetic Flux Leakage Test Bed Vehicle.