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.

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.

Development of a Magnetic Eddy Current In-Line Inspection Tool

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie L. Asher ◽  
Andreas Boenisch ◽  
Konrad Reber
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Steel ◽  
Eddy Current ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Metal Loss ◽  
Gas Pipelines ◽  
Primary Methods ◽  
Volumetric Features ◽  
Detection Capabilities

Pipeline in-line inspections (ILI) are one of the primary methods used to assess the integrity of operating oil and gas pipelines. Conventional ILI technology is based on ultrasonic testing (UT) or magnetic flux leakage (MFL) sensors. Although these technologies are suitable for most pipeline inspections, there remains an opportunity to expand ILI technology and application. ExxonMobil and Innospection Ltd. are working to develop a new ILI sensor technology based on a combination of Magnetic Eddy Current (MEC) and multi-differential eddy current. This new technology provides the potential to detect small volumetric features, inspect heavy wall gas pipelines, and inspect pipelines with corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) or non-metallic liners. Initial feasibility trials were conducted with a prototype ILI MEC tool. Tests were conducted on an 8.625” (219 mm) X65 carbon steel pipe lined with 0.118” (3 mm) of Inconel 825 pipe. Four types of defects were machined into the pipe to represent natural defects anticipated in service: • Metal loss features from 3 to 24 mm in diameter on the external surface of the carbon steel base pipe • Erosion on the internal layer of the CRA liner • Internal girth weld crack-like defects • Metal loss defects at the interface of the CRA and carbon steel Over 80 pull tests were conducted to determine the detection capabilities and speed sensitivities of the tool. Defects were detected by the sensors including the very small (<10 mm) pinhole-type features. Signals were analyzed by a preliminary sizing algorithm to demonstrate proof of concept. Detection performance was not affected at speeds up to 0.75 m/s. Since detection capabilities exceeded expectations, future development will continue based on the current prototype.

Overcoming Challenges of EMAT Inline Inspection Validation for SCC Management in Natural Gas Pipelines: A Practical Approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jake Phlipot ◽  
Stephen Rapp ◽  
Daniel Whaley ◽  
Kevin Spencer ◽  
Dan Williams
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Shared Knowledge ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Gas Pipelines ◽  
Natural Gas Pipelines ◽  
Industry Research ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Electro Magnetic

Abstract Pipeline operators rely on a variety of tools and technologies to manage threats to their pipeline assets. For natural gas pipelines, the management of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) has benefited from the introduction and evolution of in-line inspection (ILI) technologies, specifically Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) technology, that can reliably detect, identify and size cracking anomalies. Since its introduction in the early 2000’s, the performance of EMAT technology has been evaluated and documented through many industry research projects and published articles that describe operational experiences. This paper builds upon that body of shared knowledge to provide an update of observed EMAT performance on a gas transmission system that has undergone extensive EMAT ILI assessments, on a large number of pipeline segments, with a specific focus on the practical strategies employed to overcome the challenges unique to EMAT ILI validation. Practical insights into effectively using EMAT ILI validated data as a key input to the SCC management plan are thereby provided.

Investigation and Assessment of Low-Frequency ERW Seam Imperfections by EMAT and CMFL ILI

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Kania ◽  
Ralf Weber ◽  
Stefan Klein
Keyword(s):  
Low Frequency ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Service Failures ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Defect Assessment ◽  
Acoustic Transducer ◽  
Integrity Management ◽  
Pipeline Failure ◽  
Electro Magnetic ◽  
Flux Leakage

The occurrence of low-frequency Electric Resistance Welded (LF-ERW) or Electric Flash Welded (EFW) line pipe imperfections has been the root cause of many integrity management initiatives to minimize and mitigate the risk of pipeline failure across the oil & gas pipeline industry. Since their first appearance in the 1920s, defects in or near the LF-ERW and EFW seam repeatedly lead to either hydrostatic test or in-service failures. Where in the past In-Line Inspection (ILI) technologies might have experienced limitations in addressing vintage ERW line pipe defects, modern smart ILI technologies show enhanced capabilities. High resolution Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) and Circumferential Magnetic Flux Leakage (CMFL) ILI technologies have advanced in the recent years enabling more challenging inspections. This paper summarizes the inspection results of 22″ ERW line pipe defects detected and reported by EMAT and CMFL. Correlation of ILI and manual NDE data enables evaluation of current ILI capabilities and improvement of current defect assessment methods.

Validation of EMAT ILI for Management of Stress Corrosion Cracking in Natural Gas Pipelines

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toby Fore ◽  
Stefan Klein ◽  
Chris Yoxall ◽  
Stan Cone
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Stress Corrosion ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Probability Of Detection ◽  
Gas Pipelines ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Natural Gas Pipelines ◽  
Electro Magnetic

Managing the threat of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) in natural gas pipelines continues to be an area of focus for many operating companies with potentially susceptible pipelines. This paper describes the validation process of the high-resolution Electro-Magnetic Acoustical Transducer (EMAT) In-Line Inspection (ILI) technology for detection of SCC prior to scheduled pressure tests of inspected line pipe valve sections. The validation of the EMAT technology covered the application of high-resolution EMAT ILI and determining the Probability Of Detection (POD) and Identification (POI). The ILI verification process is in accordance to a API 1163 Level 3 validation. It is described in detail for 30″ and 36″ pipeline segments. Both segments are known to have an SCC history. Correlation of EMAT ILI calls to manual non-destructive measurements and destructively tested SCC samples lead to a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities of the EMAT technology and the associated process for managing the SCC threat. Based on the data gathered, the dimensional tool tolerances in terms of length and depth are derived.

Flow Assurance in Deep-Water Gas Pipelines: Locating Hydrate Plugging Position in a Fast Way

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Yu ◽  
Cheng Hui ◽  
Chao Wen Sun ◽  
Zhan Ling Zou ◽  
Bin Lu Zhuo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Drop ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Pipe Wall ◽  
Gas Pipeline ◽  
Flow Assurance ◽  
Gas Pipelines ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Hydrate Layer ◽  
Hydrate Deposition ◽  
Water Gas

Abstract Hydrate-associated issues are of great significance to the oil and gas sector when advancing the development of offshore reservoir. Gas hydrate is easy to form under the condition featuring depressed temperature and elevated pressure within deep-water gas pipeline. Once hydrate deposition is formed within the pipelines, the energy transmission efficiency will be greatly reduced. An accurate prediction of hydrate-obstruction-development behavior will assist flow-assurance engineers to cultivate resource-conserving and environment-friendly strategies for managing hydrate. Based on the long-distance transportation characteristics of deep-water gas pipeline, a quantitative prediction method is expected to explain the hydrate-obstruction-formation behavior in deep-water gas pipeline throughout the production of deep-water gas well. Through a deep analysis of the features of hydrate shaping and precipitation at various locations inside the system, the advised method can quantitatively foresee the dangerous position and intensity of hydrate obstruction. The time from the start of production to the dramatic change of pressure drop brought about by the deposition of hydrate attached to the pipe wall is defined as the Hydrate Plugging Alarm Window (HPAW), which provides guidance for the subsequent hydrate treatment. Case study of deep-water gas pipeline constructed in the South China Sea is performed with the advised method. The simulation outcomes show that hydrates shape and deposit along pipe wall, constructing an endlessly and inconsistently developing hydrate layer, which restricts the pipe, raises the pressure drop, and ultimately leads to obstruction. At the area of 700m-3200m away from the pipeline inlet, the hydrate layer develops all the more swiftly, which points to the region of high risk of obstruction. As the gas-flow rate increases, the period needed for the system to shape hydrate obstruction becomes less. The narrower the internal diameter of the pipeline is, the more severe risk of hydrate obstruction will occur. The HPAW is 100 days under the case conditions. As the concentration of hydrate inhibitor rises, the region inside the system that tallies with the hydrate phase equilibrium conditions progressively reduces and the hydrate deposition rate slows down. The advised method will support operators to define the location of hydrate inhibitor injection within a shorter period in comparison to the conventional method. This work will deliver key instructions for locating the hydrate plugging position in a fast way in addition to solving the problem of hydrate flow assurance in deep-water gas pipelines at a reduced cost.

scholarly journals Analysis of AC Transport Loss in Conductor on Round Core Cables

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiabin Yang ◽  
Chao Li ◽  
Mengyuan Tian ◽  
Shuyu Liu ◽  
Boyang Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eddy Current ◽  
Complex Geometry ◽  
Layer Structure ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Structure Design ◽  
Ac Loss ◽  
Shielding Effect ◽  
Transport Loss ◽  
Electro Magnetic

AbstractThe conductor on round core (CORC) cable wound with second-generation high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes is a promising cable candidate with superiority in current capacity and mechanical strength. The composing superconductors and the former are tightly assembled, resulting in a strong electro-magnetic interaction between them. Correspondingly, the AC loss is influenced by the cable structure. In this paper, a 3D finite-element model of the CORC cable is first built, and it includes the complex geometry, the angular dependence of critical current and the periodic settings. The modelling is verified by the measurements conducted for the transport loss of a two-layer CORC cable. Subsequently, the simulated results show that the primary transport loss shifts from the former to the superconductors as the current increases. Meanwhile, the loss exhibited in the outer layer is larger than that of the inner layer, which is caused by the shielding effect among layers and the former. This also leads to the current inhomogeneity in CORC cables. In contrast with the two-layer case, the simulated single-layer structure indicates stronger frequency dependence because the eddy current loss in the copper former is always dominant without the cancellation of the opposite-wound layers. The core eddy current of the single structure is denser on the outer surface. Finally, the AC transport losses among a straight HTS tape, a two-layer cable and a single-layer cable are compared. The two-layer structure is confirmed to minimise the loss, meaning an even-numbered arrangement makes better use of the cable space and superconducting materials. Having illustrated the electro-magnetic behaviour inside the CORC cable, this work is an essential reference for the structure design of CORC cables.

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
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