Jan H. Petermann, Ralph Klose, Marius Thiel
Papers # 2016 Berlin
This paper gives an introduction into the Terahertz measurement technique and shows the technology transfer from lab to pipe industry. The technical basics are explained how to measure pipes` wall thickness by THz pulse runtime differences. The measurability of common plastics like HDPE, PP, PVC and PA6 are investigated with the result that HDPE and PP show almost no absorption of the THz radiation whereas PVC and PA6 show stronger absorbing behavior. The absorption coefficients of PVC and PA6 are determined to be 0.59 cm-1 and 1.02 cm-1 , respectively. A field study measurement of a foam core pipe demonstrates the suitability of the THz technique for industrial pipe measurements.
We demonstrate the usability of terahertz technology for inline measurements of plastic pipes` 360° wall thickness distribution in an industrial environment. We give a short overview over the terahertz technology in the scientific field and show the transfer to an industrial application. The materials HDPE, PP, PVC, PA6 and water are first qualitatively analyzed with respect to their absorbance of terahertz radiation and afterwards their absorption coefficient is determined. With a field study of a measurement of a PVC foam core pipe as well as a corrugated pipe we approve the terahertz technology being ready for industrial application.
