Detection of Blockage in a Radially Symmetric Cylindrical Pipe using Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Equation

Abstract

In this study, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to detect partial and total blockage of a cylindrical pipe by unused engine oil. Diffusion Magnetic Resonance (DMR) equation is solved analytically for flow of fluid in a radially symmetric cylindrical pipe. Appropriate boundary conditions were imposed and the radial axis varied to depict partial and total blockage in the pipe. The results show that for free flow, the magnetization is between 0.004 and 0.005. For partial blockage, the magnetization reduces (signal loss) in value to 0.00001, and for total blockage it is zero (0). This method is a viable alternative for detecting blockage in fluid pipelines in oil and gas industry due to its non invasive analysis of flow in fluid. The MRI model also registers signal in its first few seconds or micro-seconds. The analysis is also applicable to process industries where different network of pipes are used, or machines use cylindrical pipes or tubes in transporting materials especially when there is a partial or total blockage at any point in the network.