In the last five to six years, operators have taken greater steps to preserve the environmentSurroundings or conditions (physical, chemical, mechanical) in which a material exists. The environment plays a significant role in pipeline design, constructio… and are prioritizing a wider list of precautionary measures to ensure the prevention of pipeline failures. Part of their safety regimen includes conducting pipeline inspections that detectTo sense or obtain a measurable indication from a feature.
and size at-riskA measure of loss in terms of both the incident likelihood of occurrence and the magnitude of the consequences. anomalies so they can make informed decisions to better preserve their pipelines.
As the demand has increased in Canada, NDT Global has become the go-to provider for these inline inspections. Specifically, crack inspections. Since I've started my career in the industry (16 years), a lot has changed. We have gone from being able to simply detectTo sense or obtain a measurable indication from a feature.
cracks in pipelines to having the ability to accurately size, locate, and apply attributes to crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel…-like features. We've made incredible strides with high-resolution data acquired from high-resolution tools and even more so with how that data is analyzed.
NDT Global inspects for different types of crack-like features. There are various types of crack-like features that NDT Global inspects. In Canada, axial cracking is the most common featureGeneral term for an anomaly detected during an assessment. Features can be anomalies, components, nearby metallic objects, welds, appurtenances, or some other i…, but the demand to also inspect circumferentialAn event that occurs or is measured along the circumference of a pipeline. It implies the direction or orientation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axi… cracks has increased steadily throughout the last few years.
Circumferential Cracking Versus Axial Cracking
Ten years ago, the idea of having circumferentialAn event that occurs or is measured along the circumference of a pipeline. It implies the direction or orientation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axi… cracking in your pipeline was mind boggling. But as technology advanced and as more inspections were conducted, it became apparent that circumferential cracks are very much a problem.
Circumferential cracking is not as age dependent as axial cracking but is primarily formed from the initiation of axial stressThe internal forces and pressures experienced by a pipeline as a result of various factors, including internal and external loads, operating conditions, and env… and not having the proper soil conditions. Whereas with axial cracking, cracks typically arise from low lack of fusionA welding defect that can occur during the fabrication or construction of pipelines, pressure vessels, and other equipment. It refers to an incomplete fusion be… and poor welding practices, environmental conditions, stresses in the circumferentialAn event that occurs or is measured along the circumference of a pipeline. It implies the direction or orientation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axi… axis, and high rates of pressure cycling. If an operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… suspects that both forms of cracks exist in their pipeline, it would be important to consider investing in both inspections as this is the only way (for now) for both featureGeneral term for an anomaly detected during an assessment. Features can be anomalies, components, nearby metallic objects, welds, appurtenances, or some other i… types to be properly detected and sized.
Axial CrackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… Solution
At NDT Global, our ultrasonic crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… technology provides absolute depth sizing and crack depth profile for an accurate assessment. Due to NDT Global's high-resolution inspection tools, even minor cracks from approximately 1 mm (0.04 in.) in depth are detected and sized with tolerances as low as ±0.8 mm (±0.031 in.).
Key Benefits:
High-density sensor spacing (5 mm resolution) provides a clear picture of every crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… related anomalyAny irregularity, defect, or abnormal condition identified in a pipeline system that deviates from the expected or normal operating condition. Anomalies in pipe…
Eclipse ultrasonic crack technology specifically designed for challenging featureGeneral term for an anomaly detected during an assessment. Features can be anomalies, components, nearby metallic objects, welds, appurtenances, or some other i… morphologies (hook cracks)
Circumferential CrackRefers to a type of crack or fracture that occurs around the circumference of a pipeline, typically in a circular or elliptical pattern. It is a form of structu… Solution
With NDT Global's circumferential crackRefers to a type of crack or fracture that occurs around the circumference of a pipeline, typically in a circular or elliptical pattern. It is a form of structu… solution, a diffracted shear-wave signal travels into the pipeline wall at a 45-degree angle and is reflected by an external or internal flawAn imperfection smaller than the maximum allowable size.. The inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… tool provides accurate data that is categorized into several properties such as a flaw property, length, width, crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… type, and depth.
Due to the nature of initiation and propagation of circumferentialAn event that occurs or is measured along the circumference of a pipeline. It implies the direction or orientation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axi… cracking, it can be very challenging to assess the severity of the features. NDT Global's 15 years of circumferential inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… experience coupled with more than half a million analyzed and reported circumferential features has enabled our inspection and analysis teams to gain tremendous amounts of experience and a better understanding of circumferential featureGeneral term for an anomaly detected during an assessment. Features can be anomalies, components, nearby metallic objects, welds, appurtenances, or some other i… characteristics.
Key Benefits:
High-density sensor spacing (5 mm resolution) provides a clear picture of every crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel…-related anomalyAny irregularity, defect, or abnormal condition identified in a pipeline system that deviates from the expected or normal operating condition. Anomalies in pipe…
Key Takeaways:
When investing in an ILI crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…, the 'right' solution is rarely based on just a few factors. It’s always smart to look at an inline inspectionA method used to assess the the integrity and condition of pipelines. It involves the use of specialized tools that are inserted into the pipeline and propelled… with a holistic approach to ensure you can save costs and increase operational value for years to come. While axial and circumferential crackRefers to a type of crack or fracture that occurs around the circumference of a pipeline, typically in a circular or elliptical pattern. It is a form of structu… inspections are both highly beneficial as separate inspections, operators often combine these inspections to identify more complex crack-like features that can be compromising to pipelines. As we continue to innovate our technological environments, NDT Global is committed to further enhancing both axial and circumferentialAn event that occurs or is measured along the circumference of a pipeline. It implies the direction or orientation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axi… technologies so operators can continue to sustain both durability and longevity for the life of their pipelines.
If you wish to learn more about crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… inspection technologies, you can shoot me an email at cory.wargacki@ndt-global.com.
