scholarly journals Application of USCCD on Girth Weld Defect Detection of Oil Pipelines

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2736 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. S. Dai ◽  
Q. S. Feng ◽  
X. Q. Xiang ◽  
J. Sutherland ◽  
T. Wang ◽  
...  

Globally, more and more attention has been paid to the integrity of Girth Welds (GW) of oil and gas pipelines due to their failures with high consequences. A primary concern is that defects originate during field construction but over time may be subject to external loads due to earth movement. GW defects in newly built pipelines are also assumed to exist but would be much smaller in size, and more difficult to detect, which motivated the investigation into minimum defect detection capabilities of the inspection technologies. This study presents the evaluation results of UltraScan™ Circumferential Crack-Like Detection (USCCD) technology for oil pipeline GW inspection, based upon the pull test and in field data from Inline Inspection (ILI) of pipeline by PetroChina Pipeline Company (PPC) using GE PII (General Electric Company, Pipeline Integrity Inspection) 32” UltraScan™ CCD Tool. The performance of USCCD is given according to the ILI data, pull test results and dig NDE (Non-Destructive Examination). It can be concluded that crack-like defects with clear edges can be detected during ultrasonic propagation; however, the irregular shape of weld makes the inspection more difficult. It is still a challenge to identify the type of defects, and depth sizing can only be classified not quantified, which would require more excavations. However, this technology is feasible for the alternative technology of GW defect inspection.

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 04020047
Author(s):  
L. S. Dai ◽  
Q. S. Feng ◽  
J. Sutherland ◽  
T. Wang ◽  
S. Y. Sha ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Suhaila Abdul Halim ◽  
Arsmah Ibrahim ◽  
Yupiter Harangan Prasada Manurung

Accurate inspection of welded materials is important in relation to achieve acceptable standards. Radiography, a non-destructive test method, is commonly used to evaluate the internal condition of a material with respect to defect detection. The presence of noise in low resolution of radiographic images significantly complicates analysis; therefore attaining higher quality radiographic images makes defect detection more readily achievable. This paper presents a study pertaining to the quality enhancement of radiographic images with respect to different types of defects. A series of digital radiographic weld flaw images were smoothed using multiple smoothing techniques to remove inherent noise followed by top and bottom hat morphological transformations. Image quality was evaluated quantitatively with respect to SNR, PSNR and MAE. The results indicate that smoothing enhances the quality of radiographic images, thereby promoting defect detection with the respect to original radiographic images. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-61
Author(s):  
Lucas Kling e Silva ◽  
Gustavo Almeida ◽  
Creison Nunes ◽  
Gabriela Ribeiro Pereira ◽  
Daniel Kadoke ◽  
...  

Abstract High quality tubular products are essential to the oil and gas industry. Quality control during their production focuses on the non-destructive detection of surface defects. The structured light technique is a candidate for the challenge to detect, monitor and evaluate such defects in real-time. In the present study the automatic processing of structured light measurements is performed and validated. The algorithm for the automatic analysis of inspection data has an advantage over current data evaluation methods based on individual assessments of operators.


Author(s):  
Mohamed R. Chebaro ◽  
Achim F. Hugger ◽  
Scott D. Ironside ◽  
Luis A. Torres Garcia ◽  
Dorin I. Rusu

A Canadian crude oil pipeline presented a unique cracking mechanism exhibited by short, branched axial cracks located in the vicinity of girth welds. These attributes, among others, translated into added depth sizing complexity for ultrasonic crack in-line inspection (ILI) tools. The scope presented in this paper encompasses results from three crack ILIs carried out between 2011 and 2013. The assessment and mitigation of such atypical cracks required innovative interpretation and evaluation techniques. First, unique ILI analysis approaches and reporting criteria were implemented and validated beyond established design specifications. The goal was to characterize the very short features at girth welds, while understanding and managing sizing limitations associated with conventional ILI analysis methods. This was attained from a laboratory ILI pull-testing program performed on field cut-outs containing cracks of interest, in addition to detailed non-destructive examinations (NDE) completed in field and laboratory settings. Second, customized, depth-independent, likelihood-based evaluation criteria were developed to identify and mitigate cracking with such distinct attributes. The ensuing model was then validated against a comprehensive field NDE program using different sizing techniques (e.g., Phased Array and Multi-angle Shear Wave). This paper highlights the key findings from the analytical, experimental and field studies and describes the novel methodology followed in the assessment of crack-related features reported by ILI.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Suhaila Abdul Halim ◽  
Arsmah Ibrahim ◽  
Yupiter Harangan Prasada Manurung

Accurate inspection ofweldedmaterials is important in relation to achieve acceptable standards. Radiography, a non-destructive test method, is commonly used to evaluate the internal condition ofa material with respect to defect detection. Thepresence ofnoise in low resolution ofradiographic images significantly complicates analysis; thereforeattaining higher quality radiographic images makes defect detection more readily achievable. This paper presents a study pertaining to the quality enhancement of radiographic images with respect to different types of defects. A series of digital radiographic weld flaw images were smoothed using multiple smoothing techniques to remove inherent noise followed by top and bottom hat morphological transformations. Image quality was evaluated quantitatively with respect to SNR, PSNR andMAE. The results indicate that smoothing enhances the quality ofradiographic images, thereby promoting defect detection with the respect to original radiographic images.


Author(s):  
Wenxing Feng ◽  
Xiaoqiang Xiang ◽  
Guangming Jia ◽  
Lianshuang Dai ◽  
Yulei Gu ◽  
...  

The oil and gas pipeline companies in China are facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges because of China’s increasing demand for oil and gas energy that is attributed to rapid economic and social development. Limitation of land resource and the fast urbanization lead to a determinate result that many pipelines have to go through or be adjacent to highly populated areas such as cities or towns. The increasing Chinese government regulation, and public concerns about industrial safety and environmental protection push the pipeline companies to enhance the safety, health and environmental protection management. In recent years, PetroChina Pipeline Company (PPC) pays a lot of attention and effort to improve employees and public safety around the pipeline facilities. A comprehensive, integrated HSE management system is continuously improved and effectively implemented in PPC. PPC conducts hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control and mitigation, risk monitoring. For the oil and gas stations in highly populated area or with numerous employees, PPC carries out quantitative risk assessment (QRA) to evaluate and manage the population risk. To make the assessment, “Guidelines for quantitative risk assessments” (purple book) published by Committee for the Prevention of Disasters of Netherlands is used along with a software package. The basic principles, process, and methods of QRA technology are introduced in this article. The process is to identify the station hazards, determinate the failure scenarios of the facilities, estimate the possibilities of leakage failures, calculate the consequences of failures and damages to population, demonstrate the individual risk and social risk, and evaluate whether the risk is acceptable. The process may involve the mathematical modeling of fluid and gas spill, dispersion, fire and explosion. One QRA case in an oil pipeline station is described in this article to illustrate the application process and discuss several key issues in the assessment. Using QRA technique, about 20 stations have been evaluated in PPC. On the basis of the results, managers have taken prevention and mitigation plans to control the risk. QRAs in the pipeline station can provide a quantitative basis and valuable reference for the company’s decision-making and land use planning. Also, QRA can play a role to make a better relationship between the pipeline companies and the local regulator and public. Finally, this article delivers limitations of QRA in Chinese pipeline stations and discusses issues of the solutions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niels Pörtzgen ◽  
Ola Bachke Solem

Abstract During the construction of pipelines for the transportation of oil and gas, the inspection of girth welds is a critical step to ensure the integrity and thereby the safety and durability of the pipeline. In this paper we present an advanced technology ‘IWEX’ for the non-destructive testing of welds based on 2D and 3D ultrasonic imaging. This technology allows for safe, fast, and accurate inspection whereby the results are presented comprehensively. This will be illustrated with results from a recent project. The IWEX technology is based on an ultrasonic inspection concept, whereby ‘fingerprints’ of ultrasonic signals are recorded, also referred to as ‘full matrix capture’ (FMC) data. Then, an image area is defined, consisting out of pixels over an area large enough to cover the inspection volume. With the FMC data, image amplitudes are calculated for each pixel so that the shape of geometry (back wall, front wall, cap, and root) and possible indications are revealed. As opposed to traditional ultrasonic testing strategies, the detection and sizing of indications is therefore less dependent on its orientation. The project concerned the inspection of J and V welds from a 5.56″ diameter carbon steel pipe with an 8.4mm wall thickness. The wall thickness is relatively thin compared to common inspection scopes. Therefore, the inspection set-up was adapted, and procedural changes were proposed. Consequently, additional validation efforts were required to demonstrate compliance with the required inspection standard; DNVGL-ST-F101: 2017. As part of this, welds were scanned with seeded indications and the reported locations were marked for macro slicing under witnessing of an independent representative from DNVGL. The resulting images from the indications in the welds showed great detail with respect to the position, orientation and height of the indications. A quantitative comparison with the results from the macro slices was performed, including a statistical analysis of the height sizing and depth positioning accuracies. From the analysis, it could be observed that the expected improvements with respect to the resolution and sizing accuracy were indeed achieved. Thereby, the procedure has proven to be adequate for the inspection of carbon steel girth welds within the thin wall thickness range (~6mm to ~15mm). The IWEX technology is a member of the upcoming inspection strategy based on imaging of ultrasonic FMC data. This strategy can be considered as the next step in the evolution of inspection strategies after phased array inspection. The IWEX technology has been witnessed and qualified by independent 3rd parties like DNVGL, this makes the IWEX technology unique in its kind and it opens opportunities for further acceptance in the industry and other inspection applications.


Author(s):  
Виктор Геннадьевич Аковецкий ◽  
Алексей Викторович Афанасьев ◽  
Анжела Асхатовна Ильченко

Оценка геоэкологических рисков на объектах нефтегазового комплекса непосредственно связана с обеспечением безопасности территорий, на которых они расположены. Особенно тяжелые последствия воздействия на экологическое состояние территорий оказывают аварийные разливы нефти и нефтепродуктов. Решение данного класса задач требует оценки уровня аварийного разлива и его классификации с позиций возникновения чрезвычайной ситуации. В статье рассмотрена возможность замены традиционных визуальных методов оценки разливов на разработанные автоматизированные и автоматические способы, использующие для решения задач классификации материалов аэрокосмических съемок. Приведены результаты автоматической классификации изображений мониторинговых наблюдений, которые имели место при аварийном разливе дизельного топлива в г. Норильске, аварии танкера на морской акватории о. Маврикий и аварии сухопутного нефтепровода. Полученные результаты показали работоспособность разработанных методов и возможность их использования в задачах инвентаризации и паспортизации аварийных разливов нефти на суше и акваториях. Purpose. The aim of this work is to ensure the environmental safety of the territories where the accidental spills of oil and oil products have occurred. They have a significant negative impact on the environment of land and water areas. To minimize their impact and eliminate the consequences, an “emergency” regime is introduced in Russia. Depending on the level of the oil spill, it may cover both the territory of a separate facility and a region, and the entire state as a whole. Methods. Traditionally, an estimate of the level of a spill is determined based on the mass of the spilled oil through visual observations from aircraft or ground measurements at selected points. This approach does not allow an accurate assessment of the total area of pollution, the nature of pollution inside the oil slick, as well as the dynamics of its spread over time. To eliminate these limitations, it is proposed to use systems of aerospace monitoring observations and automatic measurements of oil slick parameters: area, composition and mass. To solve this problem, the method of “comparison with the reference standard” was used. Here, samples of color gradations of oil and oil product spill spots proposed in the Bonn Agreement of 2004 were prepared as reference standards. Results. The method was implemented using the experimental software complex AGIR-TM (Aerospace, Geoinformatics, Research, Risks-Technological Modules) which was developed at the Department of Geoecology of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (NRU). During the experimental testing of this method, the work was carried out to assess the accidental spill in the following cases diesel fuel in Norilsk (2020), oil on a tanker in the water area of Mauritius (2020) and oil in an oil pipeline (2012, 2017). The method provides the localization of the area spills along with the color correction (normalization), classification of the composition of oil and oil products and the through account of the investigated processes. The work results in determination for the area of the oil and oil products spill, its composition and weight. Conclusions. The article shows the relevance of solving problems related to the problem of liquidation of emergency spills of oil and oil products at the facilities of the oil and gas complex. The main approaches to aerospace monitoring observations and automatic interpretation of spill parameters are considered. The proposed approach is based on the use of “digital twins” that implement the transition from manual (visual) to automated and automatic modes for determining the parameters of an oil spill: area, composition and mass. The results presented in the article showed the efficiency of the proposed method and the possibility of its use in the tasks of assessing geoecological risks associated with accidental spills of oil and oil products on land and in water areas.


2016 ◽  
Vol 78 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. S. Rusli ◽  
I. Z. Abidin ◽  
S. A. Aziz

Eddy current thermography is one of the non-destructive testing techniques that provide advantages over other active thermography techniques in defect detection and analysis. The method of defect detection in eddy current thermography has become reliable due to its mode of interactions i.e. eddy current heating and heat diffusion, acquired via an infrared camera. Such ability has given the technique the advantages for non-destructive testing applications. The experimental parameters and settings which contribute towards optimum heating and defect detection capability have always been the focus of research associated with the technique. In addition, the knowledge and understanding of the characteristics heat distribution surrounding a defect is an important factor for successful inspection results. Thus, the quantitative characterisation of defect by this technique is possible compared to the conventional non-destructive which only acquired qualitative result. In this paper, a review of the eddy current thermography technique is presented which covers the physical principles of the technique, associated systems and its applications. Works on the application of the technique have been presented and discussed which demonstrates the ability of eddy current thermography for non-destructive testing of conductive materials.   


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