Advanced Technologies and Methodology for Automated Ultrasonic Testing Systems Quantification

Fast Facts
Technology and Commercialization
Research Entity:	Edison Welding Institute, Inc. 1250 Arthur E. Adams Dr. Columbus, OH 43221-3560
COTR:	Frank Licari, Frank.Licari @ dot.gov, 202-366-5162
Contract #:	DTPH56-07-T-000002
Project #:	218
Contact Info:	Mr. Roger Spencer Telephone: (614)688-5188 Fax: (614)688-5001 Email: roger_spencer @ ewi.org
Partners:	Edison Welding Institute(EWI) ConocoPhillips Chevron BP America Heerema ISQ TCPL Mechanical Integrity GE Inspection Technologies UT Technology/UT Quality
Peer Review	Very Effective (PHP-3-2008, May 1-14, 2008)
Peer Review	Very Effective (PHP-4-2009, Apr 1-15, 2009)
Technology Demonstrated?	TBD
Commercialized (in whole/part)?	TBD
Financial and Status Data
Project Status:	Active
Start Fiscal Year:	2007 (07/01/2007)
End Fiscal Year:	2011 (12/31/2010)
PHMSA $$ Budgeted:	$612,752.00
$$ Co-Funded:	$1,438,931.00
Total Project Cost:	$2,051,683.00

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Main Objective

Working in collaboration with industrial sponsors, EWI plans to: (1) extend the previous AUT work to develop a methodology for quantification of AUT systems, (2) enhance and quantify AUT image capture capabilities, (3) benchmark the performance of multiple AUT systems using blind trials approach, (4) implement the methodology in field tests using realistic operating conditions, and (5) incorporate project results into Reliability Based Design and Assessment (RBDA) standards.

Public Abstract

Objective(s): The overall objective of the program is to reduce the uncertainty of Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) detection and sizing accuracy with the goal of dramatically improving the predicted reliability of pipelines in the early design stage. This will be accomplished by the following manner: 1) Develop a methodology for quantification of AUT systems, 2) Advance and quantify AUT systems image-capture capabilities, 3) Quantify the performance of multiple AUT systems and establish a guidance document, 4) Implement the quantification methodology in field tests and guidance document in Reliability Based Design and Assessment (RBDA) standards. The deliverables for this program will include a methodology to quantify imaging capabilities and AUT systems, probability of detection (POD) and sizing accuracy curves for multiple representative systems, guidance for AUT capabilities and ECA/strain based design approach applicability, and technical justification for modifications of the current requirements for AUT quantification trails demanded by the global practices of majors companies and codes.

Project Team: EWI (Lead Organization), ConocoPhillips, Chevron, BP America, Heerema, TransCanada Pipeline LTD., UT Technology, GE Inspection Technologies, UT Quality, Mechanical Integrity, and ISQ (Portugal)

Sponsoring Organizations: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS); parallel R&D projects being funded by ConocoPhillips, UT Technology, UT Quality, ISQ and in-kind contributions being provided by TransCanada, Chevron, BP America, Heerema, UT Technology, GE Inspection Technologies, UT Quality and Mechanical Integrity.

For further information contact: Mark Lozev, Ph.D., Edison Welding Institute, Inc. (EWI), 1250 Arthur E. Adams Dr, Columbus, OH 43221, Ph: (614) 688-5188, Fax: (614) 688-5001, Email: mark_lozev @ ewi.org

Other Files

Project Status Update June 10, 2009