EMAT As a Basis for a Comprehensive System Wide Crack Management Program

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Katz ◽  
Steve Potts ◽  
Thomas Beuker ◽  
Jörg Grillenberger ◽  
Ralf Weber
Keyword(s):  
Ultrasonic Inspection ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Comprehensive System ◽  
Gas Pipelines ◽  
Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Statistical Confidence ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Full Scale Tests

The integrity of aging assets like gas pipelines are managed by a variety of inspection and validation methods. In the particular case of gas pipelines and their susceptibility to cracking, an ultrasonic inspection methodology has been introduced over the last decade, which is based on an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT). Meanwhile, a high resolution implementation of the technology has been utilized on in-line inspection (ILI) tools from 10″ to 48″ in diameter. Williams Gas Pipelines have utilized this inspection technology successfully on several pipelines, therefore an overview will be given about this experience. Secondly a case study will be presented, in which a post hydrostatic test ILI service was used to gain additional relevant safety and integrity information from the ILI inspection and to better understand the actual capabilities of a hydrostatic test. The approach taken is in accordance with API 1163 and in consideration of API 1176. As part of this approach the performance of the ILI tool was confirmed based on a set of full scale tests conducted at the PRCI ILI test facility. The results were used to increase the statistical confidence in the capabilities of the technology.

SCC Detection and Coating Disbondment Detection Improvements Using the High Resolution EMAT ILI-Technology

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Beuker ◽  
Ron Alers ◽  
Bryce Brown ◽  
George Alers
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Measurement Methods ◽  
Detection Capability ◽  
Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Independent Measurement ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Novel Concept ◽  
Full Scale Tests ◽  
Disbonded Coating ◽  
The U.S

Pipeline deterioration by stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is an increasing challenge for the pipeline industry. Recent incidents and the lately issued OPS advisory bulletin in the U.S., emphasize the worldwide focus on this phenomenon. Coating disbondment is understood as a precursor to SCC by increasing the susceptibility of the pipeline for corrosion. The presented High Resolution ILI-technology, based on a novel concept of an Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT), allows both, the detection of SCC and the detection of disbonded coating, using two independent measurement methods. Thus, the technology combines proactive and reactive measures to improve the reliability of a pipeline that is susceptible to SCC. Data from a series of full-scale tests, obtained with the ILI-EMAT prototype, will be presented. The tests were conducted on pipe containing natural SCC colonies. The improvement of SCC detection capability will be demonstrated.

A Case Study on Potential SCC Management Using 10-Inch EMAT ILI

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Henderson ◽  
Jeff Ector ◽  
Mike Kirkwood
Keyword(s):  
Crack Detection ◽  
Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Critical Crack ◽  
Multiple Datasets ◽  
Environmentally Assisted Cracking ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Crack Type ◽  
The 1960S

Environmentally assisted cracking (EAC), more specifically, stress corrosion cracking (SCC) has been a pipeline integrity concern since the 1960s. However, there were not many options for pipeline operators to effectively manage this threat on gas and liquid pipelines. SCC and other crack type defects have become a threat which is more widely understood and can be appropriately managed through in-line inspection (ILI). The two primary technologies for crack detection, developed in the 1990s and early 2000s respectively, are ultrasonic (UT) and electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT). Although EMAT was originally developed to find SCC on gas pipelines, it has proven equally valuable for crack inspections on liquid pipelines. A case study with a gas and natural gas liquid (NGL) operator, ONEOK Inc. (ONEOK) demonstrates the effectiveness of using EMAT ILI to evaluate the potential threat of crack and crack-like defects on a 48 mile (77.2 km), liquid butane pipeline. By utilizing both 10-inch (254 mm) multiple datasets (MDS) technology and 10-inch (254 mm) EMAT ILI tools, ONEOK proved the effectiveness of ILI to identify critical and sub-critical crack and crack-like defects on their pipeline. This paper will present on the findings from the two technologies and illustrate the approaches taken by the operator to mitigate crack type defects on this pipeline.

Identification and Mitigation of a Landslide Threatening Four Operating Natural Gas Pipelines

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Ahmadipur ◽  
Alexander McKenzie-Johnson ◽  
Ali Ebrahimi ◽  
Anthony H. Rice
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Landslide Hazard ◽  
Management Process ◽  
Gas Pipelines ◽  
Hazard Management ◽  
Natural Gas Pipelines ◽  
South Central ◽  
Subsurface Investigation ◽  
Landslide Stabilization

Abstract This paper presents a case study of a landslide with the potential to affect four operating high-pressure natural gas pipelines located in the south-central US state of Mississippi. This case study follows a landslide hazard management process: beginning with landslide identification, through pipeline monitoring using strain gauges with an automated early alert system, to detection of landslide movement and its effects on the pipeline, completion of a geotechnical subsurface investigation, conceptual geotechnical mitigation planning, landslide stabilization design and construction, and stress relief excavation. Each step of the landslide hazard management process is described in this case study.

Slope Movement Inspection Using Axial Strain Data Across Multiple Lines and Repeat Inspections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed ElSeify ◽  
Sylvain Cornu ◽  
Raymond Karé ◽  
Ali Fathi ◽  
John Richmond
Keyword(s):  
Axial Strain ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Additional Tool ◽  
Landslide Event ◽  
Strain Data ◽  
Risk Management Program ◽  
Geohazard Risk ◽  
Strain Responses ◽  
Repeated Runs

Abstract Axial strain inspection using the AXISS™ is an established tool in the pipeline operator’s toolbox to assess pipeline geotechnical threats and other strain related events. Consequently, there is a large database of axial strain data for several different pipelines operating in different environments and from multiple inspections at the same geographical locations. The Cheecham slope, located south east of Fort McMurray, Alberta, is a known geohazard site crossed by six individual pipelines. The lines were constructed between 1999 and 2013 and have a size range of 10” to 36”. Five out of the six lines, 12” to 36”, have been inspected using the axial strain tool. The pipelines inspected cover a range of characteristics including, different vintages, pipe diameters and positions in the ROW. These differences, and the ILI runs provide an insight into the effect of a landslide event on the strain response of these pipelines. Axial strain measurement of the multiple pipelines in the Cheecham slope’s ROW allows: i) a direct comparison between lines ii) evaluation of the strain profile across the slope iii) assessment of the magnitude of the axial strain in terms of pipe characteristics e.g. pipe vintage and mechanical properties. More importantly, the axial strain data may provide an additional tool to assess the effectiveness of strain mitigation steps carried out over the years. An increase in the frequency of axial strain ILI runs resulted in additional data being available and more importantly data from run to run inspections spread over months or sometime years. A single run captures the strain at the time of inspection but run to run inspections provide an additional comparative tool to evaluate and monitor pipeline movement. Two out of the five lines inspected have run to run axial strain data. This paper takes the Cheecham slope as a case study to discuss the benefits of run comparison of ILI axial strain data either by comparing strain values of repeated runs for a single line or by the cross comparison of strain responses of different lines in the same ROW. The paper aims to demonstrate how run to run analysis of ILI axial strain data can be implemented as part of geohazard risk management program to asses strain risk profiles of these locations and to assess the effectiveness of strain mitigation programs previously undertaken by operators.

Assessment of destressing drilling efficiency using numerical methods: A case-study of Oktyabrsky deposit

2021 ◽  
pp. 26-31
Author(s):  
M. P. Sergunin ◽  
T. P. Darbinyan ◽  
T. S. Mushtekenov ◽  
V. V. Balandin
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Labor Input ◽  
Efficiency Criterion ◽  
Strength And Deformation ◽  
Low Efficiency ◽  
Full Scale Tests ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Polar Division

Mineral mining in rockburst-hazardous conditions should involve various precautions in compliance with federal regulations and standards. One of the main methods to prevent rock bursts is destressing drilling. In this method, a yielding zone is artificially created. The strength and deformation characteristics in this zone differ from the same characteristics of enclosing rock mass, and redistribution of stresses takes place as a result. Efficiency of destressing drilling is estimated in terms of ore body S-2 in Komsomolsky Mine. The efficiency criterion is selected to be the safety factor of rock mass with and without destressing drilling. Low efficiency of destressing drilling means that this method is readily replaceable by the other techniques of lesser labor input, for example, by reduction in the rate of mining, or by seasoning of underground excavations for some time required for redistribution of stresses to take place. Based on the theoretical research and the conclusions drawn at NorNickel’s Polar Division, the full-scale tests are scheduled for the implementation in order to gradually abandon destessing drilling in rockburst-hazardous Talnakh and Oktyabrsky ore fields. The authors appreciate participation of V. P. Marysyuk from NorNickel’s Polar Division in this study.

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