Impedance-Based Crack Detection in Chemical Tanks: Enhancing Preventive Maintenance with Eddy Current Techniques

Maintaining the structural integrity of chemical storage tanks is critical for ensuring operational safety and protecting the environment. This research examines the use of the Eddy Current Method (ECM) for detecting surface cracks in chemical tanks, to improve preventive maintenance strategies. We investigate mathematical modeling of impedance measurements using eddy currents, which form the foundation for accurate crack detection. Our approach includes exploring analytical and numerical models to predict impedance variations caused by cracks, supported by detailed simulations. The crack is modeled using practical electrical, magnetic, and spatial parameters to explore various scenarios. We provide valuable insights into the behavior of the coil’s resistance and inductance in the presence of cracks by iterating through different parameters. Our findings reinforce the idea that integrating ECM into preventive maintenance offers an effective solution for early crack detection.