Embedded return wire time domain reflectometry pipeline fault detection systems and methods

Abstract

Techniques for implementing and/or operating a testing system that includes a pipe segment, which includes tubing having an inner layer that defines a pipe bore, an intermediate layer including electrically conductive material implemented around the inner layer, and an outer layer implemented around the intermediate layer, and a return wire embedded within the tubing. The testing system includes a signal generator that supplies an electrical test signal to the electrically conductive material, a sensor electrically coupled to the return wire, in which the sensor determines a sensor signal indicative of an actual electrical return signal received from the return wire in response to supply of the electrical test signal, and a control sub-system communicatively coupled to the signal generator and the sensor, in which the control sub-system determines an integrity state of a pipeline in which the pipe segment is deployed based at least in part on the sensor signal.