Application of non-destructive evaluation techniques in pipeline inspection

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• Leak Detection
• Non-destructive Testing/Evaluation

Main Objective

Within the TTI file the project objectives defined 4 tasks
Identify two most effective energy-efficient, and low-cost sensor types for detecting typical digging activities and heavy equipment
Develop energy-efficient signal processing and pattern recognition algorithm to improve detection sensitivity and to reduce alarms.
Construct a prototype wireless network

Test system at a suburban road construction site to show feasibility and identify potentate issues

TTI has provided in detail a description of the work task, time line and identified six different quantifiable metrics to measure the performance of the test sensors.

Public Abstract

An extensive literature review on available non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques in pipeline inspection, which include Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL), Eddy Current, Acoustic Emission (AE), Infrared Thermography, Ultrasonic Testing (UT), and Fiber Optic Sensors (FOS) was done. For each NDE method, the basic principle, application areas, and research needs are fully described in this project.

The GPR method is the first target for further research. The plan is to conduct a comparison between the commercially available GPR and our research-oriented GPR, and investigate more applications of GPR in pipeline inspection, such as leaking, corrosion, damage, etc. We just acquired the commercial GPR in April 2008 and a survey is in process. Work continues in this area.

Deliverables:

1. A report on the application of non-destructive evaluation techniques in pipeline inspection
2. The paper "Applications of Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) in Pipeline Inspection" published in the International Pipelines Conference 2008 which will be held in Atlanta, GA from July 22 to 26, 2008.

Blast loading on buried pipelines

We did a literature review on blast loading on infrastructures and found that most of them are in the area of superstructure. We want to borrow ideas in superstructure area and combine with advanced soil mechanics to discover the influence of blast loading on buried pipelines. This can be done from either the material side or simulation side. As a first step, we want to start with computer simulation of blast effect on buried pipelines. Considering the particulate properties of soil, a special software PFC3D was purchased recently for simulation. In the future, we can develop new materials or facilities to protect buried pipelines from blast loading.

Deliverables:

1. A report on literature search on blast loading on buried pipelines.

Scour below a pipeline in currents

Literature search was done and a summary paper is underway. It was found that most of the available models for simulating scour below a pipeline are empirical. It is necessary to apply rational mechanistic models to get better understanding and results. Before conducting any experiment, a set of numerical models need to be developed. Currently, we are in the stage of choosing appropriate numerical models. The software PFC3D will also be used in this project.

Deliverables:

1. A report on literature search.