Apparatus and method for monitoring the structural integrity of a pipeline by means of a superconducting magnet

An inspection apparatus (100) for monitoring the structural integrity of a pipeline (101) comprising a superconducting electromagnet (102) suitable for generating a magnetic field (106); a cryostat (103) suitable for containing and preserving said superconducting electromagnet (102) at a low temperature; at least two magnetic conveyors (104′, 104″) connected at opposite ends of the cryostat (103) suitable for conveying the magnetic field (106) generated by the superconducting electromagnet (102) to the wall of the pipeline (101) and facilitating the closing of a magnetic circuit; at least one sensor system (105) for revealing the intensity of the magnetic field (106). A method for monitoring the structural integrity of a pipeline (101) using an inspection apparatus (100) according to the present invention. The inspection apparatus (100) according to the present invention advantageously allows the localization of possible structural imperfections or anomalies of the walls of a pipeline (101), using a more efficient magnet with respect to those normally used in the "pigs" known in the state of the art.