Integration of Data From Multiple In-Line Inspection Systems to Improve Crack Detection and Characterization

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Piazza ◽  
Justin Harkrader ◽  
Rogelio Guajardo ◽  
Thomas Henning ◽  
Miguel Urrea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Integration ◽  
Crack Detection ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Metal Loss ◽  
Recent Experience ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Tool Performance ◽  
Inspection Systems ◽  
Integrity Management

In-line inspection (ILI) systems continue to improve in the detection and characterization of cracks in pipelines, and are relied on substantially by pipeline operators to support Integrity Management Programs for continual assessment of conditions on operating pipelines that are susceptible to cracking as an integrity threat. Recent experience for some forms of cracking have shown that integration of data from multiple ILI systems can improve detection and characterization (depth sizing, crack orientation, and crack feature profile) performance. This paper will describe the approach taken by a liquids pipeline operator to integrate data from multiple ILI systems, namely Ultrasonic axial (UC) and circumferential (UCc) crack detection and Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) technologies, to improve detection and characterization of cracks and crack fields on a 42 miles long, 12-inch OD liquid pipeline with a 38-year operating history. ILI data has indicated a large number of crack features, including 4000+ crack features reported by UC, 1000+ crack features by UCc, and 2500+ metal loss features reported by MFL. Initial excavations demonstrated a unique pattern of blended circumferential-, oblique- and axial-orientated cracks along the entire extent of the 42-mile pipeline, requiring advanced methods of data integration and analysis. Applying individual technologies and their analysis approaches showed limitations in performance for identification and characterization of these blended features. The outcome of the study was the development of a feature classification approach to classify the cracks with respect to their orientation, and rank them based on the depth sizing by using multiple datasets. Several sections of the 42-mile pipeline were cut-out and subjected to detailed examination using multiple non-destructive examination (NDE) methods and destructive testing to confirm the crack depths and profiles. These data were used as the basis for confirming the ILI tool performance and providing confirmation on the improvements made to crack detection and sizing through the data integration process.

Assessment of In-Line Inspection Performance and Interpretation of Field Measurements for Characterization of Complex Dents

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis A. Torres ◽  
Matthew J. Fowler ◽  
Jordan G. Stenerson
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Mechanical Damage ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Metal Loss ◽  
Tool Performance ◽  
Integrity Management ◽  
Technical Specifications ◽  
Shape Complexity

Integrity management of dents on pipelines is currently performed through the interpretation of In-Line Inspection (ILI) data; this includes Caliper, Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL), and Ultrasonic Testing (UT) tools. Based on the available ILI data, dent features that are recognized as threats from a mechanical damage perspective are excavated and remediated. Federal codes and regulations provide rules and allow inference on what types of dent features may be a result of mechanical damage; nonetheless, there are challenges associated with identifying dents resulting from mechanical damage. One of the difficulties when managing the mechanical damage threat is the lack of information on how MFL and UT ILI tool performance is affected by dented areas in the pipe. ILI vendors do not offer any technical specifications for characterizing and sizing metal loss features in dents. It is generally expected that metal loss tool performance will be affected in dented areas of the pipe, but it is not known to what degree. It is likely that degradation will vary based on feature shape, sensor design, and sensor placement. Because metal loss tool performance is unknown within the limits of the dented pipe, other methods for recognizing mechanical damage have been incorporated into the management strategies of mechanical damage. Some of these methods include strain based assessments and characterization of shape complexity. In order to build a more effective integrity management program for mechanical damage, it is of critical importance to understand how tool technology performance is affected by dented areas in the pipe and what steps can be taken to use ILI information more effectively. In this paper, the effectiveness of MFL and UT wall measurement tools in characterizing and sizing metal loss features within dents is studied by evaluating against field results from non-destructive examinations of mechanical damage indications. In addition, the effectiveness of using shape complexity indicators to identify mechanical damage is evaluated, introducing concepts such as dents in close proximity and multi-apex dents. Finally, the effectiveness of ILI tools in predicting dent association with girth welds is also explored by comparing ILI and field results.

scholarly journals Pipeline In-Line Inspection Method, Instrumentation and Data Management

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3862
Author(s):  
Qiuping Ma ◽  
Guiyun Tian ◽  
Yanli Zeng ◽  
Rui Li ◽  
Huadong Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Petroleum Products ◽  
Metal Loss ◽  
Non Destructive Testing ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Inspection Method ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Pipeline Inspection ◽  
Inspection Systems ◽  
Non Destructive

Pipelines play an important role in the national/international transportation of natural gas, petroleum products, and other energy resources. Pipelines are set up in different environments and consequently suffer various damage challenges, such as environmental electrochemical reaction, welding defects, and external force damage, etc. Defects like metal loss, pitting, and cracks destroy the pipeline’s integrity and cause serious safety issues. This should be prevented before it occurs to ensure the safe operation of the pipeline. In recent years, different non-destructive testing (NDT) methods have been developed for in-line pipeline inspection. These are magnetic flux leakage (MFL) testing, ultrasonic testing (UT), electromagnetic acoustic technology (EMAT), eddy current testing (EC). Single modality or different kinds of integrated NDT system named Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) or un-piggable robotic inspection systems have been developed. Moreover, data management in conjunction with historic data for condition-based pipeline maintenance becomes important as well. In this study, various inspection methods in association with non-destructive testing are investigated. The state of the art of PIGs, un-piggable robots, as well as instrumental applications, are systematically compared. Furthermore, data models and management are utilized for defect quantification, classification, failure prediction and maintenance. Finally, the challenges, problems, and development trends of pipeline inspection as well as data management are derived and discussed.

Enhanced Use of ILI Data to Improve Integrity Decisions

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collin Taylor ◽  
Renkang Rain Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Metal Loss ◽  
Pipeline System ◽  
Precision Data ◽  
Data Alignment ◽  
Joint Characteristics ◽  
Tool Performance ◽  
Integrity Management ◽  
Data Improvement ◽  
Longitudinal Seam ◽  
Flux Leakage

With the current generation of in-line inspection (ILI) tools capable of recording terabytes of data per inspection and obtaining millimeter resolution on features, integrity sciences are becoming awash in a sea of data. However, without proper alignment and relationships, all this data can be at best noise and at worst lead to erroneous assumptions regarding the integrity of a pipeline system. This paper will explore the benefits of a statistical alignment method utilizing joint characteristics, such as length, long seam orientation (LSO), wall thickness (WT) and girth weld (GW) counts to ensure precision data alignment between ILI inspections. By leveraging the “fingerprint” like morphology of a pipeline system many improvements to data and records systems become possible including but not limited to: • Random ILI Tool performance errors can be detected and compensated for. • Repair history and other records become rapidly searchable. • New statistically accurate descriptions are created by leveraging the sensitivities of various ILI technologies. One area of material data improvement focused on within this paper relates to long seam type detection through ILI tools. Due to the differing threat susceptibility of various weld types, it is accordingly important to identify the long seam weld types for integrity management purposes. Construction records of older vintage lines do not always contain information down to the joint level; therefore, ILI tools may be leveraged to increase the accuracy of construction records down to this level. In this paper, the possibility of ILI tools, such as magnet flux leakage tools, ultrasonic crack tools, and ultrasonic metal loss tools, to distinguish different types of longitudinal seam welds is also discussed.

Enbridge Comparison of Crack Detection In-Line Inspection Tools

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Garrett H. Wilkie ◽  
Tanis J. Elm ◽  
Don L. Engen
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Elastic Wave ◽  
Crack Detection ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Metal Loss ◽  
Integrity Management ◽  
Magnetic Inspection ◽  
Extensive Program ◽  
Inspection Data ◽  
Geometry Inspection

Enbridge Pipelines Inc. operates the world’s longest and most complex liquids pipeline network. As part of Enbridge’s Integrity Management Program In-Line Inspections have been and will continue to be conducted on more than 15,000 km of pipeline. This extensive program is comprised of a mature metal loss and geometry inspection component as well as a crack inspection program utilizing the most sophisticated In-Line Inspection (ILI) tools available. Enbridge conducted its first ultrasonic crack inspection with the British Gas Elastic Wave Vehicle (Now GE Power Systems – Oil & Gas – PII Pipeline Solutions) in September 1993 on a Canadian portion of it’s 864–mm (34”) diameter line. The Elastic Wave Vehicle was also used for crack detection on additional segments of this same 864–mm (34”) diameter line during the following years, 1994, 1995 and 1996. Enbridge then conducted its first crack inspection with the Pipetronix UltraScan CD tool (Now also GE Power Systems – Oil & Gas – PII Pipeline Solutions) in November 1997 on a segment of this 864–mm (34”) diameter line that was previously inspected with the Elastic Wave Vehicle. The UltraScan CD tool was then utilized again in 1999, 2000 and 2001 completing crack inspection of the Canadian portion of this 864–mm (34”) diameter line. Enbridge conducted its first magnetic crack inspection with the PII TranScan (TFI) Circumferential Magnetic inspection tool in December 1998 on a United States portion of another 864–mm (34”) diameter line. This same section of line was subsequently inspected with the PII UltraScan CD tool in July 2001. This paper discusses the comparison of results from overlapping crack inspection data analysis from these three PII crack detection tools. Specifically, the overlap of the UltraScan CD and Elastic Wave Vehicle along with the overlap of the UltraScan CD and TranScan (TFI) tool. The relative performance of each crack detection tool will be explored and conclusions drawn.

Reliability Life Span of Fatigue Cracks

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cameron Rout ◽  
James Mihell ◽  
Keith Adams ◽  
Nathan Len
Keyword(s):  
Reliability Analysis ◽  
Corrosion Fatigue ◽  
Crack Detection ◽  
Fatigue Cracks ◽  
Metal Loss ◽  
Crack Growth Behaviour ◽  
Pressure Cycling ◽  
Dynamic Risk Assessment ◽  
Integrity Management ◽  
Reliability Methods

Reliability analysis has become widely used as a method of accounting for uncertainty in the sizing of metal loss features in pipeline integrity management programs. As inline inspection (ILI) technology for crack detection becomes more widely available, the opportunity to use reliability methods in a manner similar to that already adopted for metal loss features presents itself. Nevertheless, the technical challenges to the application of reliability analysis of cracks are distinct from those that are relevant to the reliability analysis of metal loss features. Calculating the time-dependent threat of failure due to fatigue or corrosion fatigue must address different parameters than it would for metal loss features, and consequently this presents new challenges in developing statistical analysis tools. Such challenges include predicting operational pressure cycling, accounting for uncertainty in ILI crack sizing, and characterizing crack growth behaviour type. This paper provides an overview of some important parameters to be considered in reliability-based fatigue or corrosion fatigue analysis with some examples of how they have been addressed in work to date by Dynamic Risk Assessment Systems, Inc.

CHARACTERIZATION OF LIQUEFACTION RESISTANCE OF SAND: EFFECT OF INITIAL FABRIC

2014 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 1450001 ◽  
Author(s):  
BO LI ◽  
XIANGWU ZENG ◽  
HAO YU
Keyword(s):  
Depositional Environment ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Recent Experience ◽  
Permeability Test ◽  
Fabric Anisotropy ◽  
Liquefaction Resistance ◽  
Liquefaction Potential ◽  
Centrifuge Tests

The micro-fabric of deposition reflects the imprints of its geologic and stress history, its depositional environment, and its weathering history. Recent experience shows that the fabric anisotropy does influence the static and dynamic behavior of granular materials. In this study, a series of centrifuge tests are conducted to investigate the effects of fabric anisotropy on the dynamic response in the free field. The results show the acceleration, pore pressure, and residual settlement is significantly affected by the fabric anisotropy of the ground, which shows the liquefaction resistance of the ground. Meanwhile, the response of acceleration is analyzed in frequency domain, which shows that the model prepared by 90° absorbs more energy than that of 0°. To verify the effects induced by the initial fabric, permeability test are conducted and related to the liquefaction potential. The results indicate the fabric anisotropy should be incorporated into the design method.

Systematic Approach to Measuring ILI Tool Performance

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Keane ◽  
Karmun Cheng ◽  
Kaitlyn Korol
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Efficient Reduction ◽  
Tool Performance ◽  
Typical Performance ◽  
Substantial Investment ◽  
Integrity Management ◽  
Insight Into

In-line inspection (ILI) tools play an important role within integrity management and substantial investment is made to continuously advance performance of the existing technologies and, where necessary, to develop new technologies. Performance measurement is typically focused for the purpose of understanding the measured performance in relation to the ILI vendor specification and for the determination of residual uncertainty regarding pipeline integrity. These performance measures may not provide the necessary insight into what type of investment into a technology is necessary to further reduce residual uncertainty regarding pipeline integrity, and beyond that, what investment, as an operator, results in an effective and efficient reduction in uncertainty. The paper proposes a reliability based approach for investigating uncertainty associated with ultrasonic crack ILI technology for the purpose of identifying efficient investment into the technology that results in an effective and measurable improvement. Typical performance measures and novel performance measurement methods are presented and reviewed with respect to what information they can provide to assist in investment decisions. Finally, general observations are made regarding Enbridge’s experience using ultrasonic crack ILI technology and areas currently being investigated.

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