PHMSA Research and Development
Time: 11/23/2009 08:35 PM

Demonstration of ECDA Applicability and Reliability for Demanding Situations

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Main Objective

This proposed effort will support identification and demonstration of External Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA) technologies for demanding pipeline situations (cased and non-cased crossings, pipe with shielded coatings, segments with stray currents or interferences from other pipelines). The deliverable will be a published procedure (best practice) for ECDA that allows the identification of ECDA techniques for each situation. The results will be fed into industry standards and recommended practices (e.g., ASME and NACE) to assure the fastest possible implementation.

Public Abstract

This project includes the identification and demonstration of specific technologies to assess demanding pipeline situations (e.g., cased and non-cased crossings, pipe with no or shielded coatings, segments with stray currents or interferences from multiple pipes in right of ways). Demonstration of the capability and reliability of existing/proposed technology for these specific situations will result in a decision tree (protocol/recommend practice) of what direct assessment (DA) techniques and technologies are most effective for each situation. The results will include expected reliability numbers for defect identification. Quantitative, reproducible assessment results will be stressed. These results and recommendations will be fed into industry standards and recommended practices (e.g., ASME and NACE) to ensure the fastest possible implementation of research benefits -- improved safety, ability to assess pipeline segments that have no alternate method available (i.e., expand DA applicability), and increased reliability of the DA method. This project will include support from a group of up to 25 gas company participants that will contribute pipeline segments for assessment, pipe inspection resources, and excavation and examination costs to demonstrate the DA technologies.

Final Report
237 page (18.5MB pdf) Final Project Report with PHMSA changes/edits made.
Quarterly Status Reports
2nd Quarterly Status Report - Public Page
3rd Quarterly Status Report - Public Page
4th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page
5th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page
6th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page
7th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page
8th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page
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