# Bottom Plate Damage Localization Method for Storage Tanks Based on Bottom Plate-Wall Plate Synergy

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method for detecting damage in storage tank bottom plates by combining sensor data from both the bottom and wall plates, improving accuracy and reducing noise.

## Contribution

A novel collaborative detection method using bottom and wall plate sensor arrays with correlation matching to enhance defect localization in storage tanks.

## Key findings

- Collaborative detection using bottom and wall plate arrays reduces boundary scattering noise effectively.
- Correlation matching preserves damage signals while suppressing artifacts in imaging results.
- The method achieves a maximum relative localization error of 5.4%, demonstrating high accuracy.

## Abstract

Ultrasonic guided waves can be employed for in-service defect detection in storage tank bottom plates; however, conventional single-array approaches face challenges from boundary scattering noise at side connection welds. This study proposes a collaborative bottom plate-wall plate detection methodology to address these limitations. Sensor arrays were strategically deployed on both the bottom plate and wall plate, achieving multidimensional signal acquisition through bottom plate array excitation and dual-array reception from both the bottom plate and tank wall. A correlation coefficient-based matching algorithm was developed to distinguish damage echoes from weld-induced scattering noise by exploiting path-dependent signal variations between the two arrays. The investigation revealed that guided wave signals processed through data matching effectively preserved damage echo signals while substantially attenuating boundary scattering signals. Building upon these findings, correlation matching was implemented on guided wave signals received by corresponding array elements from both the bottom plate and wall plate, followed by total focusing imaging (TFM) using the processed signals. Results demonstrate that the collaborative bottom plate-wall plate detection imaging cloud maps, after implementing signal correlation matching, effectively suppress artifacts compared with imaging results obtained solely from bottom plate arrays. The maximum relative localization error was measured as 5.4%, indicating superior detection accuracy.