Development of 36” EmatScan® Crack Detection (CD) Tool

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Yeomans ◽  
Blaine Ashworth ◽  
Uwe Strohmeier ◽  
Achim Hugger ◽  
Thomas Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Hydrostatic Pressure ◽  
Crack Detection ◽  
Pipe Wall ◽  
Joint Project ◽  
Natural Gas Pipeline ◽  
Detection Tool ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Public Inquiry ◽  
Pressure Tests ◽  
Electro Magnetic

TransCanada PipeLines has been performing periodic hydrostatic pressure tests of natural gas pipeline sections susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). In 1996, the Canadian National Energy Board (NEB) held a public inquiry into SCC and recommended that industry develop a reliable SCC In-Line Inspection (ILI) tool. This paper describes the TransCanada and PII Pipeline Solutions project to jointly develop a 36 inch (914 mm) diameter crack detection tool based on EMAT (Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducer) technology. The EmatScan® CD tool is designed to operate in gas pipelines without a liquid couplant. The EmatScan® CD tool will detect and size longitudinally oriented external SCC features. In 2001, testing of the technology has shown that it can distinguish: • insignificant pipe wall features (stringers, laminations and inclusions) from SCC defects; • internal from external pipe wall features. Off-line tests were performed by pulling the tool through a series of pipe spools containing SCC and other pipe wall features. These pipe spools are from two sections of the TransCanada system where PII’s UltraScan® CD tool was run. This joint project to develop a new ILI tool began in early 1997, and will be completed in 2002.

Validation of EMAT In-Line Inspection Technology for SCC Management

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meera Kothari ◽  
Stephan Tappert ◽  
Uwe Strohmeier ◽  
Jose Larios ◽  
N. Daryl Ronsky
Keyword(s):  
Stress Corrosion ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Crack Detection ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Tool Development ◽  
Service Interruption ◽  
Detection Tool ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Electro Magnetic ◽  
Field Correlation

TransCanada has a need to manage sections of the pipeline that are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) failure by periodically performing hydrostatic testing. Since hydrostatic testing requires a complete service interruption, In Line Inspection technologies (operating in gas pipelines without liquid couplant) are being investigated as an alternate method to managing this hazard. This requirement resulted in a joint technology and tool development project involving GE Energy and TransCanada. The EmatScan® Crack Detection (CD) tool is designed to detect and size longitudinally oriented external SCC features in gas-filled pipelines. During autumn 2002, the EmatScan® CD tool was run in a 64 km section of the TransCanada system. In 2003, field correlation excavations were conducted to assess the accuracy of the tool. This paper describes the results from the correlation program conducted to validate GE Energy’ 36 inch (914 mm) diameter EMAT (Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducer) crack detection tool.

High-Resolution EMAT as a Diagnostic Tool for Analysis of SCC and Crack-Like Pipelines Defects

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Hilvert ◽  
Thomas Beuker
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Diagnostic Tool ◽  
Crack Detection ◽  
Pipe Wall ◽  
Probability Of Detection ◽  
Process Verification ◽  
Inspection Process ◽  
Resolution Mapping ◽  
Level I ◽  
Electro Magnetic

In succession of a research project, the Electro-Magnetic Acoustical Transducer (EMAT) technology could be utilized to generate ultrasound for crack detection in pipelines. The EMAT technology and smart In-Line Inspection (ILI) tools have been developed to an advanced tool kit for inspection. Today high-resolution EMAT ILI is a diagnostic tool, that provides rich information on pipeline cracking as also the type and condition of external pipeline coatings. A high number of EMAT sensors distributed and acting over the entire pipe circumference enable high-resolution mapping of the pipe wall. Ultrasonic shear-waves at different modes are generated and captured by the transducer arrangement. Acquisition of the ultrasonic reflection and transmission signal in frequency and time domain allows for spectroscopic imaging of the pipe wall. The preferred ultrasonic modes and their associated frequencies can be determined using the corresponding dispersion relation. This contribution shows how mode selective assessments of the captured ultrasonic spectra can be used for analysis of pipeline defects. Validation of EMAT ILI as an inspection process according to API 1163 is outlined. The established exceptionally high Probability Of Detection (POD) and Identification (POI) is derived from Level I, II and III process verification assessments. Latest developments of tailored EMAT sensor kits for ILI pipeline diagnostics are given.

A New ILI Tool for Metal Loss Inspection of Gas Pipelines Using a Combination of Ultrasound, Eddy Current and MFL

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herbert Willems ◽  
Beate Jaskolla ◽  
Thorsten Sickinger ◽  
Alfred Barbian ◽  
Frank Niese
Keyword(s):  
Eddy Current ◽  
Pipe Wall ◽  
Ultrasonic Method ◽  
Metal Loss ◽  
Gas Pipelines ◽  
Ultrasonic Signals ◽  
Defect Assessment ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
First Results ◽  
Electro Magnetic

The two prevailing technologies in in-line inspection (ILI) of pipelines used for metal loss detection are magnetic flux leakage (MFL) and ultrasonic testing (UT). The ultrasonic method provides a more precise depth sizing as a direct measurement of the remaining thickness of the pipe wall is obtained. The advantage of providing more precise defect data leads, in turn, to a more accurate and reliable defect assessment thus reducing follow-up costs for the pipeline operator. As conventional ultrasonic tools, which are based on piezoelectric transducers, require a liquid coupling medium to couple the ultrasonic energy into the pipe wall, this technology is readily applicable to the majority of liquids pipelines, but not to gas pipelines (unless a batch of liquid is used). In order to apply ultrasonic ILI technology for metal loss inspection to gas pipelines directly, a new tool was developed based on the EMAT (electro-magnetic acoustic transducer) principle by which ultrasound is generated in the surface of the pipe wall through electromagnetic interaction. EMAT sensors utilize coils for sending and receiving ultrasound. Since coils can also be used to pick up MFL signals and eddy current signals, the sensors were designed such that, apart from the ultrasonic signals, these additional signals are recorded simultaneously. The availability of three simultaneous, independent measurements allows for considerable improvement with regard to both defect sizing and feature discrimination. In the paper, the new sensor concept and the setup of the ILI tool are described. First results are presented and discussed.

Concrete filled steel pipe inspection using electro magnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT)

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Won-Bae Na ◽  
Tribikram Kundu ◽  
Yeon-Sun Ryu ◽  
Jeong-Tae Kim
Keyword(s):  
Steel Pipe ◽  
Pipe Inspection ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Electro Magnetic

The Application of Laser-EMAT Technique Used to Testing Defect in Rail

2014 ◽  
Vol 875-877 ◽  
pp. 574-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Zhao ◽  
Zhong Qing Jia ◽  
Guo Rui ◽  
Jian Ma ◽  
Jiang Feng Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Signal Processing ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Nondestructive Test ◽  
Testing System ◽  
Testing Method ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Nondestructive Testing Method ◽  
Electro Magnetic ◽  
Industrial Context

Nondestructive test systems are increasingly applied in the industrial context for their strong potentialities in improving and standardizing quality control. Especially in the service stage of rail, early detection of nucleus defects in the rail can avoid the broken rail accident. The aim of present work is to propose a kind of non-contact nondestructive testing method based on the laser and electro-magnetic acoustic transducer techniques, which is suitable to inspect the nucleus defects. This paper describes the testing system, principle and signal processing. The result shows the relative error of testing nucleus defects is about 3.24 %.

scholarly journals Development of a Structural Integrity Non-destructive Inspection System for Bridges Made of Weathering Steel

2019 ◽  
Vol 278 ◽  
pp. 03006
Author(s):  
Björn Torsten Salmen ◽  
Marina Knyazeva ◽  
Frank Walther
Keyword(s):  
Structural Steel ◽  
Crack Detection ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Inspection System ◽  
Weathering Steel ◽  
Steel Bridge ◽  
Electro Magnetic ◽  
Non Destructive

Due to the increasing volume of traffic, bridges are exposed to higher loads as it was considered during the planning phase. Therefore, a regular inspection is necessary in order to detect cracks at very early stages. The use of weathering structural steel in bridges, as well as in composite bridge constructions is an alternative to conventional bridges, not only from an economic but also from an ecological point of view, since it is not necessary to apply a corrosion protection layer and renew it during the lifetime of the bridge. Unfortunately, conventional visual inspection or magnetic particle inspection on the weathering steel bridge are hindered by the protective patina and requires development of new test methods. Within the framework of this project, a combined crack detection technique using non-destructive inspection by means of Active Thermography and by Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) were evaluated in laboratory environments and in real conditions on bridge structures made of weathering structural steel.

The Study on Defects of 6-Inch Cylinder by Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT)

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1062-1066 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. Chang ◽  
Z. L. Lin ◽  
J. J. Jeng
Keyword(s):  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Electro Magnetic

Design of Hydrostatic Pressure Tests Automatic Control System on Oil Pipeline (bolster) by PLC and IPC

2011 ◽  
Vol 299-300 ◽  
pp. 1157-1160
Author(s):  
Jing Wu ◽  
Guo Jie Chen
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Hydrostatic Pressure ◽  
Automatic Control ◽  
Automatic Control System ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Flow Chart ◽  
Oil Pipeline ◽  
Pressure Tests

The design and basic implementation of hydrostatic pressure tests automatic control system on oil pipeline(bolster) by siemens PLC and Huabei IPC were elaborated in the paper. The hardware and software flow chart on electrical controls were explained, the application interface was showed. From the actual conditions, the systems possess trusty running and high cost-effective and promotion prospects.

The Effect of the State of Stress on the Strain at Fracture

1974 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 190-194
Author(s):  
E. A. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Hydrostatic Pressure ◽  
Internal Pressure ◽  
The State ◽  
Tubular Specimen ◽  
State Of Stress ◽  
Tension Tests ◽  
Pressure Tests

Tension tests on solid cylindrical specimens and internal pressure tests on one type of tubular specimen showed that a superimposed hydrostatic pressure increased the ductility. Internal pressure tests on a similar tubular specimen that was supported in a different manner showed that the hydrostatic pressure had almost no effect on the ductility.

Identification of Repair Coatings on Pipelines Using In-Line Inspection Technologies

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Greig ◽  
Jörg Grillenberger
Keyword(s):  
Cathodic Protection ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pipeline System ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Coating Type ◽  
History Of ◽  
Electro Magnetic ◽  
External Corrosion ◽  
Weld Area ◽  
Inspection Data

One of the major issues in the pipeline industry is coating disbondment. A very large percentage of external corrosion and SCC is observed under disbonded coatings that shield Cathodic Protection (CP). This has been an ongoing issue with coated and cathodic protected pipelines since the initial use of these two protection methods. The various coating types and their typical failure scenarios, under various harsh environmental conditions, as well as their compatibility with cathodic protection when disbondment occurs, play a major role for recoating programs and selection of the coating type used for repairs and re-coating programs. With the continued development and improvements of the “Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducer” (EMAT) in line inspection technology it is possible to locate disbonded coatings, without the need of exposing the pipeline. This way operators can assess the condition of the coatings applied to their pipeline systems at a comparable low cost. Inline inspection tools equipped with the “EMAT” technology are also capable of identifying the various coating types and coating conditions.1 The coating type identification process is not limited to coating types applied to whole joints. Field applied coatings covering the girth weld area or coating changes within a joint such as repairs can be identified as well. In the presented case study, the challenge was the identification of different coating types used as repairs or for re-coating procedures, within the 60 year history of the inspected pipeline system. At the beginning of the project the main coating types and obvious repairs were identified based on EMAT in line inspection data. In a combined effort, operator and in line inspection vendor compared the initially identified coating types with the known repair history of this pipeline system. Based on this shared combined information the coating type analysis could be finetuned and additional areas could be identified as repaired or re-coated. The paper will outline different coating repair methods described by the operator and subsequently identified by the EMAT tool. This paper will also describe for each coating repair method the associated risks for the pipeline integrity.

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