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This paper aims to apply the spacing effect of capacitive imaging (CI) sensors to inspect and differentiate external flaws of the protective module, internal flaws of the protective module and external flaws of the metallic module in oil and gas pipelines simultaneously. Through experimental verification, a method for differentiating three distinct kinds of flaws derived from the spacing effect of CI sensors has been demonstrated.

A 3Dimensions (3D) model for simulating the inspection of these flaws was established by using COMSOL. A novel CI sensor with adjustable working electrode spacing was designed, and a modular CI system was developed to substantiate the theoretical findings with experimental evidence. A method for differentiating three distinct kinds of flaws derived from the spacing effect of CI sensors was established.

The results indicate that the method can successfully discriminate external flaws of the protective module, internal flaws of the protective module and external flaws of the metallic module using CI sensors.

The method for differentiating three distinct kinds of flaws derived from the spacing effect of CI sensors is vital for keeping the transportation safety of oil and gas pipelines.