At the Forefront of In-Line Crack Inspection Services: A Highly Versatile Crack Inspection Platform for Complex Flaw Morphologies and Absolute Depth Sizing

Author(s):  
Steven Bott ◽  
Rob MacKenzie ◽  
Mike Hill ◽  
Thomas Hennig

Abstract In 2014, Enbridge published a request for proposals to develop and provide a solution on a specific type of long seam cracks in a 26” pipeline. In-line inspection technologies available at the time were not able to consistently and accurately characterize the crack threat, although the line was successfully hydrostatically tested in 2015. During the early stages of the project, NDT Global analyzed in detail Enbridge’s requirements, including the specific challenges, spool type, seam weld characteristics etc. and provided different proposals to Enbridge. In 2016, both parties signed a development contract to develop and build a 26” Next Generation Crack Inspection Platform (Proton). The project was divided into various stages to support a successful project that met performance requirements based both on pump tests and a field trial supported by investigative digs and coupon cutouts. The robot developed is a highly versatile crack inspection platform: it allows to be set up in a configuration optimized for the given threat, pipeline conditions, inspection speed and medium characteristics. This optimization of the configuration allows choosing the optimum measurement modes for flaws in the base material and in the seam weld independently. Additionally, the local wall thickness even in the seam weld is measured accurately. These capabilities allow the operator to collect the best data for each situation. Feeding the information into the crack management program allows Enbridge to maintain the target reliability of the asset. The robot was utilized successfully in the 26” pipeline. Processing, data analysis and reporting were performed within pre-agreed periods. Initial field findings and lab tests show high correlation of ILI and real flaws and proof the stated accuracy of the new service. The authors will present in detail some of the specific challenges of the pipeline system and limitations of available crack inspection technologies. Validation results from in-the-ditch non-destructive examination and destructive freeze breaks including cross sections from flaws with complex morphologies will be shown. Performance statistics and comparison to previous inspection results will be used to demonstrate that the new robot can be used as part of an effective crack management program.

2020 ◽  
Vol 174 ◽  
pp. 01048
Author(s):  
Elena Kassikhina ◽  
Vladimir Pershin ◽  
Nina Rusakova

The existing structures of the steel sinking headgear and permanent headframe do not meet the requirements of resource saving (metal consumption and manpower input at installation), and the present methods of the headframe designing do not fully reflect recent possibilities of applying of the advanced information technologies. Technical level of the modern software makes it possible for designers to set up multiple numerical experiments to create a computer simulation that allows solving the problem without field and laboratory experiments, and therefore without special costs. In this regard, a mathematical simulation has been developed and based on it, software to select cross-sections of multi- purpose steel headframe elements and to calculate proper weight of its metal structures depending on the characteristics and hoisting equipment. A headframe drawing is displayed, as the results of the software work, including list of elements, obtained optimal hoisting equipment in accordance with the initial data. The software allows speeding up graphic work and reducing manpower input on calculations and paper work. The software allows developing a three-dimensional image of the structure and its functional blocks, based on the obtained initial parameters, as well as developing control software for units with numerical control (NC) in order to manufacture multi-purpose headframes.


Author(s):  
Ane Bang-Kittilsen ◽  
Terje Midtbø

AbstractGeologists struggle to communicate the uncertainty that arise when mapping and interpreting the geological subsurface. Today, open data sharing policies make new value of geological information possible for a broader user group of non-experts. It is crucial to develop standard methods for visualizing uncertainty to increase the usability of geological information. In this study, a web experiment was set up to analyze whether and how different design choices influence the sense of uncertainty. Also, questions about the intuitiveness of symbols were asked. Two-hundred ten participants from different countries completed the experiment, both experts and non-experts in geology. Traditional visualization techniques in geology, like dashed lines, dotted lines and question mark, were tested. In addition, other visualizations were tested, such as hatched area and variations of symbol size, zoom levels and reference information. The results show that design choices have an impact on the participants’ assessment of uncertainty. The experts inquire about crucial information if it is not present. The results also suggest that when visualizing uncertainty, all the elements in the representation, and specifically the line and area symbols that delineate and colour the features, must work together to make the right impression.


2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (02) ◽  
pp. 106-110
Author(s):  
Ge Wang ◽  
Michael Lee ◽  
Chris Serratella ◽  
Stanley Botten ◽  
Sam Ternowchek ◽  
...  

Real-time monitoring and detection of structural degradation helps in capturing the structural conditions of ships. The latest nondestructive testing (NDT) and sensor technologies will potentially be integrated into future generations of the structural integrity management program. This paper reports on a joint development project between Alaska Tanker Company, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and MISTRAS. The pilot project examined the viability of acoustic emission technology as a screening tool for surveys and inspection planning. Specifically, testing took place on a 32-year-old double-hull Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) trade tanker. The test demonstrated the possibility of adapting this technology in the identification of critical spots on a tanker in order to target inspections. This targeting will focus surveys and inspections on suspected areas, thus increasing efficiency of detecting structural degradation. The test has the potential to introduce new inspection procedures as the project undertakes the first commercial testing of the latest acoustic emission technology during a tanker's voyage.


2007 ◽  
Vol 333 ◽  
pp. 227-230
Author(s):  
Valeria Cannillo ◽  
Luca Lusvarghi ◽  
Tiziano Manfredini ◽  
M. Montorsi ◽  
Cristina Siligardi ◽  
...  

The present work was focused on glass-alumina functionally graded materials. The samples, produced by plasma spraying, were built as multi-layered systems by depositing several layers of slightly different composition, since their alumina and glass content was progressively changed. After fabricating the graded materials, several, proper characterization techniques were set up to investigate the gradient in composition, microstructure and related performances. A particular attention was paid to the observation of the graded cross sections by scanning electron microscopy, which allowed to visualize directly the graded microstructural changes. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) inspection was integrated with accurate mechanical measurements, such as systematic depth-sensing Vickers microindentation tests performed on the graded cross sections.


Author(s):  
Martin Hukle ◽  
Brian Newbury ◽  
Dan Lillig ◽  
Jonathan Regina ◽  
Agnes Marie Horn

The intelligent design of a given pipeline system intended for operation beyond the elastic limit should incorporate specific features into both the base material (line pipe) and girth weld that enable the affected system to deform safely into the plastic regime within the intended strain demand limits. The current paper focuses on the mechanical properties known to influence the strain capacity of the base material (i.e., line pipe steel independent of the girth weld). Line pipe mechanical properties of interest include: longitudinal yield strength, tensile strength, yield to tensile strength ratio, reduction of area, elongation and uniform elongation. Of particular interest (in consideration of the conventional thermally applied corrosion protection coating systems to be employed), are the longitudinal mechanical properties in the “aged” condition. The present study investigates six (6) different pipeline steels encompassing grades X60 (415 MPa) to X100 (690 MPa), and includes both UOE Submerged Arc Welded - Longitudinal (SAW-L) and seamless (SMLS) forming methods.


Author(s):  
Shahani Kariyawasam ◽  
Patrick Yeung ◽  
Stuart Clouston ◽  
Geoffrey Hurd

In 2009 a pipeline within the TransCanada pipeline system experienced a rupture. As this pipeline was already under a rigorous In Line Inspection (ILI) based corrosion management program this failure led to an extensive root cause analysis. Even though the hazard causing the failure was microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) under tape coating, the more troubling question was “Why had the severity of this anomaly not been determined by the ILI based corrosion management program?” This led to an investigation of what key characteristics of the ILI signals resulting from areas of “complex corrosion” are more difficult to correctly interpret and size and furthermore where the line condition is such that manual verification is needed. By better understanding the limitations of the technology, processes used, and the critical defect signal characteristics, criteria were developed to ensure that “areas of concern” are consistently identified, manually verified and therefore the sizing is validated at these potentially higher risk locations. These new criteria were applied on ILI data and then validated against in-the-ditch measurements and a hydrotest. This process in conjunction with optimization of ILI sizing algorithms enabled the operator to overcome some of the known challenges in sizing areas of complex corrosion and update its corrosion management process to improve the detection and remediation of critical defects. This paper describes this investigation of the failure location, development of the complex corrosion criteria, and the validation of effectiveness of the criteria. The criteria are focused on external corrosion and have been currently validated on pipelines of concern. Application to other lines should be similarly validated.


2009 ◽  
Vol 410-411 ◽  
pp. 87-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markku Keskitalo ◽  
Kari Mäntyjärvi

The laser weldability of austenitic stainless steel (ASS) is good because of the material’s high absorptivity and favourable microstructure. There can be a slight possibility of solidification cracking at high welding speeds and low Crekv/Niekv ratios. Test welds were welded with a Yb:YAG disc laser. The test material was 3.2 mm EN 1.4404 2H C700 type stainless steel plate which was work hardened by cold rolling. The test materials were welded with different heat inputs ranging from 0.024 kJ/mm to 0.12 kJ/mm and with 300 mm and 200 mm focal lengths. The weld seams were square-groove welded as butt weld without filler material. The edges of the groove were made by mechanical or laser cutting. The hardness profiles from cross-sections of the welds were measured with a Vickers microhardness tester using 200 g weight. The mechanical properties were tested with tensile tests. The welds were classified with radiographic verification by an accredited laboratory. A number of the welds were fatigue tested with a bending fatigue tester. The mechanical properties (Rp 0.2%, Rm) of the laser welds were almost the same as in the base material except at the highest heat input. In the radiographic classification, the welds which were welded to the laser-cut edge were classified as class B (accepted). The other welds were classified as class D or C (rejected). The main reasons for the rejection of welds made on mechanically cut edges were lack of penetration or undercut of the weld. A problem with mechanically cut edges, and hence the welds, is that they can be non-square and bent edge. Fatigue tests and tensile tests gave no evidence of solidification cracking in the microstructure of the solidified parts of the welds.


2019 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 564-569
Author(s):  
Greg Jaudzems ◽  
Fengxia Zhang ◽  
Wu Bolong ◽  
Lei Bao ◽  
Jing Xiao

Abstract Background: In September 2015, both AOAC Official Methods 2015.07and 2015.08 single-laboratory validations (SLVs) were reviewed against Standard Method Performance Requirements® (SMPR) 2014.015by the AOAC Stakeholder Panel for Infant Formula andAdult Nutritional (SPIFAN) Expert Review Panel (ERP). Looking at the similarity and uniqueness of the two methods, the authors agreed, as advised by the ERP, to work together to merge the two methods intoone. This combined method was assigned Method 2016.03. Objective: In order to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of the AOAC First Action 2016.03 method, a collaborative study was organized. The study was divided in two parts: (Part 1) method set up and qualification of participants and (Part 2) collaborative study participation. During Part 1, each laboratory was asked to analyze two practice samples. The laboratories that provided results within a range of expected levels were qualified for Part 2, during which they analyzed 25 samples in blind duplicates. Results: The results were compared with SMPR 2014.015 established for chloride. The precision results (repeatability and reproducibility) were within therequirements stated in the SMPR. In general, the precision results (repeatability and reproducibility)were well within the limits stated in the SMPR. Repeatability ranged from 0.4 to 1.9%, in accordance with data obtained during SLV, with reported RSD of repeatability from 0.03 to 1.6%. Meanwhile, reproducibility ranged from 0.6 to 4.0%. Finally, the Horwitz ratio values were all below 1, from 0.2 to 0.9%. Conclusions: The ERP determined that the data presented met the SMPR and accordingly recommended the method to be granted Final Actionstatus. In January 2018, the Official Methods Boardapproved the method as Final Action.


2014 ◽  
Vol 69 ◽  
pp. 00005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iulia Companis ◽  
Ludovic Mathieu ◽  
Mourad Aïche ◽  
Peter Schillebeeckx ◽  
Jan Heyse ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (05n06) ◽  
pp. 938-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
MICHAEL LANG

The CBELSA/TAPS experiment is a set up installed at the accelerator facility ELSA in Bonn. It is used to measure cross sections of hadronic reactions by observing final state particles. The set up is well suited for the identification of neutral particles such as neutrons and photons (e.g. from π0 decay). It is planed to access the major part of η and η′ photo production and decays as also strangeness. This requires a neutral trigger capability for the detector set up and a tracking detector for charged particles.


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