Poor welding techniques can come back to haunt you, as was the case when an Italian refinery identified anomalies in their 65-year-old hydrogenA natural gas element used in non-destructive testing, hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol "H" and atomic number 1. It is the lightest and most abun… seamlessPipe constructed through an extrusion process, resulting in a pipe joint without a seam weld, known for large variation in wall thickness. pipelines. One such anomalyAny irregularity, defect, or abnormal condition identified in a pipeline system that deviates from the expected or normal operating condition. Anomalies in pipe… had turned out to be a 60 mm (2.4 in.) open 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… upon inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…, that didn’t bode well for the remaining sections in the group. The girth weldA girth weld is a type of weld used in pipelines to join two sections of pipe together circumferentially. It is commonly used in the construction of long-distan… defects attributable to poor welding technique with lack of penetration and incomplete welds.

The operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… tasked pipeline integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … experts, TECMA S.r.l. with managing the inspections of the remaining sections, which were of the same metallurgic origin and service parameters. The pipeline integrity company immediately knew who to call for pipeline inspections. NDT Global has an unparalleled reputation for handling complex, delicate inspections using the most precise nondestructive testing equipment available today. The twist? They wanted it done yesterday.

Expedited Does Not Mean Rushed

Not a problem for us, of course, as every project we undertake is completely customized. To meet the tight deadline and streamline the analysis process, our team agreed not to deliver preliminary reports, aiming instead to prepare a final report for each inspected section.

We set up a dedicated analyst team from our Data AnalysisThe evaluation process of extracting insights, patterns, and valuable information from the data collected during pipeline operations, inspections, or monitoring… department to manage this inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…. The team performed a complete assessment to determine the best inspection solution in our arsenal. We also set out to keep our clients completely in the loop, holding numerous technical meetings to describe how our selected inspection tool, Evo 1.0 ultrasonic circumferential crack detection would work in this environmentSurroundings or conditions (physical, chemical, mechanical) in which a material exists. The environment plays a significant role in pipeline design, constructio…, and to explain that this tool was so accurate that only one run per pipeline section would be needed to obtain a complete data set.

Our ultrasonic 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… detection tool uses ultrasonic shear wave technology to address 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 defects, diffracting shear wave signals traveling at a 45° angle at internal or external flaws. Of course, since one run per section was sufficient and could be accomplished in 15 days, we were able to further accelerate the timeline, meeting the client’s requirement for an expedited process.

Following the inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…, data analysisThe evaluation process of extracting insights, patterns, and valuable information from the data collected during pipeline operations, inspections, or monitoring… took only four weeks and identified 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 anomalies; verified weldLocalized coalescence of metals produced by heating the materials to the welding temperature, with or without the application of pressure, or by the application… anomalies, including 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…, lack of penetration, weld misalignments; localized metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. at guided-wave-detected, heat-affected zoneThe region of a material that has experienced changes in its microstructure and mechanical properties due to exposure to high temperatures during welding, cutti…, and mid-wall anomalies. The client praised the preciseness with which we were able to highlight, pinpoint, and categorize the areas in need of attention in such a short amount of time, and we’re looking forward to an ongoing relationship in which we can continue to bring our expertise to bear.

If you'd like to learn more about Evo 1.0 ultrasonic 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… detection, feel free to send me an email at JoseMiguel.Garcia@ndt-global.com.