Validation of Latest Generation EMAT In-Line Inspection Technology for SCC Management

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Marr ◽  
Stephan Tappert ◽  
Elvis San Juan Riverol ◽  
Andy Mann ◽  
Jo¨rg Weislogel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Corrosion ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Field Experience ◽  
Discrimination Performance ◽  
Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Transmission Pipelines

TransCanada typically manages the integrity of sections of gas transmission pipelines that are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) by periodically performing hydrostatic testing. Interest in an alternative approach to manage pipeline integrity in the presence of SCC and other forms of longitudinally oriented defects resulted in the endorsement of the latest generation of dry coupled in-line inspection tool. GE’s EMAT In-Line Inspection (ILI) tool uses the electromagnetic acoustic transducer technology to meet this requirement. This paper will summarize field experience results of the latest generation Emat In-Line inspection tool, which is commercial available since September 2008. It demonstrates, that the challenges have been overcome, the targets have been achieved, and the tool delivers the information of a distinguished ability of detection, sizing and discrimination performance, key parameters to conduct an effective pipeline integrity program.

Stress Corrosion Cracking “Like-in-Kind” Reliability Approach for Pipelines Without Crack Tool In-Line Inspection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Elsisi ◽  
Winston Y. W. Lee ◽  
Pushpendra Tomar ◽  
Dan Williams
Keyword(s):  
Stress Corrosion ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Direct Limit ◽  
Limit State ◽  
Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Pipeline System ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Threat Level ◽  
Transmission Pipeline ◽  
Electro Magnetic

Abstract Gas transmission pipeline operators increasingly rely on Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) technology to reliably detect, identify and size stress corrosion cracking (SCC) anomalies in their pipeline system. However, scheduling EMAT in-line inspection (ILI) on every pipeline in the system is not always practicable or achievable in an expeditious manner. A means of conducting a preliminary assessment of the SCC threat on pipelines without EMAT ILI data in an objective and quantifiable manner is useful for understanding the threat level and for prioritizing or deciding on outstanding EMAT inspections. A wealth of system-specific SCC field data from historical integrity excavations across the pipeline system typically exists in a pipeline operator’s dataset and can be readily leveraged for quantitatively estimating the SCC threat reliability in other, similar (“like-in-kind”) parts of the pipeline system. This system-specific data, based on actual SCC findings from integrity excavations, is an improved and more granular alternative to applying industry-wide SCC statistics to estimates of SCC reliability levels on pipelines without EMAT ILI data. This paper presents a robust and direct limit state approach for estimating the SCC reliability level in pipelines that have not yet had an EMAT ILI completed by leveraging system-wide SCC field findings from historical integrity excavations.

Now You SCC Me, Now You Don’t: Using Machine Learning to Find Stress Corrosion Cracking

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Smith ◽  
Aidan Blenkinsop ◽  
Matthew Capewell ◽  
Brian Kerrigan
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Stress Corrosion ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Acoustic Waves ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Metal Structure ◽  
Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Supervised Machine Learning ◽  
Pipeline System ◽  
Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer

Abstract Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) is a non-destructive inspection technology that uses guided acoustic waves to detect planar flaws in a metal structure. When deployed via in-line inspection (ILI), it is an effective way to detect cracks in a pipeline. EMAT has thus become a staple of crack management programs throughout the world since its introduction to the market over a decade ago. As with all technologies, challenges remain with the inspection process. One such challenge with EMAT is classification. While it is possible to determine that a defect is “crack-like” (a property determined by its tendency to reflect incident waves), it is difficult to determine the nature of the defect from the EMAT measurement alone. Indeed, similar reflections are obtained for many different types of defects, from relatively benign manufacturing and construction abnormalities, to more concerning anomalies such as stress corrosion cracking (SCC). To compensate for the difficulties in classification, it is good practice to follow up an EMAT inspection with a number of in-field verifications. These investigations allow for a more direct observation of classification and size, and provide valuable information about the nature of cracks. They are, however, expensive — meaning that avoiding unnecessary digs is a top priority. In this paper, we document a developing approach to post-ILI crack management, whereby the results of an EMAT run are combined with those from field verifications to maximize the amount of information gained from costly field work. This approach — which relies on supervised machine learning — leads to a marked improvement in the classification of crack-like indications from EMAT, and allows future investigations to be prioritized according to the likelihood of finding a concerning defect. The method was trialed on a pipeline system with extensive SCC, leading to an improved success rate in finding SCC, and a more cost effective crack management plan.

Susceptibility of Stress Corrosion Cracking in Liquid and Gas Pipelines: A Saudi Aramco Study Using Statistical Approaches

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Harper ◽  
Nader A. Al-Otaibi ◽  
Abdulaziz N. Ababtain ◽  
Thomas Bubenik ◽  
Husain M. Al-Muslim
Keyword(s):  
Stress Corrosion ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Crack Detection ◽  
Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Metal Loss ◽  
Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Saudi Aramco ◽  
Processing Plants ◽  
Study Team ◽  
Crack Susceptibility

Owned by the Saudi Arabian Government, Saudi Aramco is a fully-integrated, global petroleum enterprise and a world leader in exploration and producing, refining, distribution, shipping and marketing. The company manages the largest proven reserves of conventional crude and the fourth-largest gas reserves in the world. The company runs a vast network of pipelines transporting oil, gas and refined products to processing plants, refineries, export terminals and other customers all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Aramco maintains its commitment to supply gas to the continuously growing local markets by implementing latest technologies and state of the art engineering solutions. Since 2009, and as a result of launching an Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) In-Line Inspection (ILI) Program, Saudi Aramco has discovered Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) defects in a number of its pipelines. Saudi Aramco built on ASME B31.8S criteria for identifying SCC susceptible segments to prioritize its network to manage the utilization of the EMAT technology. The criteria were based on pipeline operating parameters, environment, age and condition. An Extensive Field Verification program was put in action that illustrated the capabilities of the EMAT ILI tools. (Saudi Aramco’s ILI program included a few additional runs of Ultrasound Crack Detection Tool, UTCD, as well). This paper discusses in more detail how the Study Team enhanced the ASME B31.8S prioritization criteria and the major findings and highlights realized from this activity. A statistical evaluation of the data compiled in the 1st phase of the comprehensive study was conducted along with the literature review. The Study Team used logistic regressions[1,2] to identify factors that increase or decrease the likelihood that cracking is present. The trends that were identified relate to coating type, pipe grade, pipeline age, diameter, thickness, metal loss, cathodic protection (CP) level, slope, and pipe type. The Study Team used the findings to profile crack susceptibility in the pipelines found with SCC and for the Saudi Aramco pipeline network as a whole to identify pipelines susceptible to cracking to include in the future ILI runs.

AMBRONZE 413

Alloy Digest ◽  
1969 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Corrosion Resistance ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Surface Treatment ◽  
Stress Corrosion ◽  
Tensile Properties ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Electrical Contact ◽  
Heat Treating ◽  
Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Tin Bronze

Abstract AMBRONZE 413 is a copper-tin bronze recommended for plater's plates and electrical contact springs. It is relatively immune to stress-corrosion cracking. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, elasticity, and tensile properties. It also includes information on corrosion resistance as well as forming, heat treating, machining, joining, and surface treatment. Filing Code: Cu-201. Producer or source: Anaconda American Brass Company.

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