Detection of Occlusion and Wall Degradation in Fire Protection Piping Systems Using Non-Invasive Gamma-Ray Techniques

Abstract

Water piping occlusion categories are reviewed. Determination of sprinkler piping occlusions and pipe wall degradation are investigated by using a non-invasive gamma-ray scanning technique. Theoretical and experimental investigations illustrate that the technique is capableof revealing the thickness, location, density and shape of substantial solid occlusions without requiring any prior knowledge about the pipe interior. Major degradation of the pipe wall can also be determined with this technique, provided the scanning speed and collimator thickness are selected properly. While theoretically feasible, determination of thin and porous occlusions could not be achieved experimentally. In theory, if the beam of gamma-ray is very thin and the scanning speed is very small, thin and porous occlusions can be detected.