Discover how advanced high-resolution inline inspection (ILI) technology was used to detect and characterize complex hook cracks in low-frequency electric resistance welded (LF-ERW) pipes. This case study highlights the challenges faced in identifying cracks in small-diameter, vintage pipelines and the solutions that ensured pipeline safety.
The success of ART Scan in a wide range of applications demonstrates its value as a key technology for the inline inspection of gas and liquid pipelines, contributing significantly to the safety and integrity of pipeline operations worldwide.
A pipeline operator with known high-density internal pitting corrosion located at the bottom of a 6" condensate water pipeline, required a high-resolution inline inspection.
A North American pipeline operator contracted NDT Global to inspect an 18" Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) pipeline for cracks, including hook cracks.
A gas pipeline operator in Europe required a post-construction caliper inspection on a newly built pipeline.
In 2019 a Canadian pipeline operator approached NDT Global to better understand the integrity of two 12" pipeline segments totaling 290 km (180 miles) within their natural gas system.
As ILI is the most efficient pipeline integrity management tool, an operator published a request for proposal (RFP) to develop and provide a solution that delivered a step-change in crack inline inspection (ILI) performance for challenging seam-weld geometries.
The aim of this inspection was to assess the conditions and obtain reliable data of the critical parts of this pipeline section.
The aim of this inspection was to validate previous ILI inspections and provide enhanced accuracy of the true condition of this pipeline.
After careful evaluation of its options for inspecting the 61.78 mile line, the operator chose NDT Global’s Evo Series 1.0 ultrasonic crack inspection tool.
A combination of high-resolution technologies were used to successfully detect metal loss and crack-like features in one run.
NDT Global utilized a 12" inspection tool which has inspected more than 2,600 km (1,616 miles) in a circumferential configuration.
Following the initial dig verification program, NDT Global worked alongside the operator to create a new set of requirements focusing on the accurate sizing of pittings and pinholes.
An NDT Global field verification expert worked closely with the crew and conducted phased array UT to enhance the understanding of the crack geometries and provided crack depths.
To address tilted (hooked) and skewed cracks, a modified sensor arrangement was introduced to the fleet of tools.
Engineers from NDT Global carried out extensive investigations to gain visibility into overall pipeline integrity.
To inspect a 16" gas pipeline, we prepared a project plan to facilitate the inspection which included pipeline preparation, inspection run and a re-establishment procedure.
After a review of requirements an advanced ultrasonic tool was selected to accurately measure wall thickness and metal loss.
Both the pipeline operator and inspection engineers worked hand in hand to design, build, and test a multi-diameter ultrasonic tool to fulfill these specific requirements.
We worked with an operator to launch an intensive development program focusing specifically on safe passage, while maximizing measurement accuracy.
SONACOL worked with NDT Global to perform an FEA, a method that is optimized to provide operators with an accurate estimation of pressure behaviors.
NDT Global performed the inspection run using high-resolution pinhole and pitting ultrasonic metal loss inspection technology.
Following further investigations, to successfully begin the ILI process, NDT Global’s team proposed an ultrasonic wall thickness measurement inspection.
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