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Broadband Electromagnetic Technology Sensor to Assess Ferrous Pipes without Removing Coatings in Both Traditional and Keyhole Excavations
Overview
Fast Facts
Project No.
258
Contract No.
DTPH56-08-T-000024
Research Award Recipient
Operations Technology Development NFP
1700 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
AOR
Max Kieba
Researcher Contact Info
Team Project Manager
Dr. Maureen Droessler
Operations Technology Development, NFP
1700 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 847-768-0608 Fax: 847-483-1286
E-mail: Maureen.droessler@otd-co.org
Team Technical Coordinator
Christopher J. Ziolkowski
Phone: 847-768-0549
Fax: 847-768-0501
Email: Chris.Ziolkowski@gastechnology.org
Peer Review
More than Effective
Peer Review
More than Effective
Technology and Commercialization
Technology Demonstrated
Yes
Commercialized (in whole/part)
Yes
Commercial Partner
Rock Solid Group Pty Ltd
www.rocksolidgroup.com
Net Improvement
As part of the project, Rock Solid's patented technology was integrated with an automatic positioning system of accurately set sensors for recording readings around a pipe while scanning through coatings or surface corrosion products or adhered soils. The recording and positioning system is controlled by means of a Windows based software program which also allows for real-time on-screen scan results display. In addition to this, the available sensor size was reduced from 2" to 1" allowing more detailed scanning to be undertaken.
Financial and Status Data
Project Status
Closed
Start Fiscal Year
2008 (08/15/2008)
End Fiscal Year
2011 (11/30/2010)
PHMSA $$ Budgeted
$293,403.00
Main Objective
The objective of the project is to enhance and evaluate a portable, cost effective, and reliable direct-assessment tool capable of detecting metal loss, pits, and cracks in ferrous pipes that does not require the removal of pipe coatings, and has the ability to be used through keyhole and traditional excavations.
Public Abstract
Operations Technology Development (OTD), along with Rock Solid Group and Gas Technology Institute (GTI), are developing a ferrous pipe inspection approach that uses Broadband Electromagnetic (BEM) technology. The BEM system is a portable, cost effective, pipeline direct-assessment tool that does not require the removal of pipe coatings. It has the ability to be used in both keyhole (small excavations) and traditional excavations. The objective of this project is to complete final enhancements to the BEM system and perform field evaluations to validate its capability. These final steps are required to bring this technology to the U.S. market. The BEM system will add a new direct assessment tool to establish the physical condition of pipelines, helping to ensure the integrity, operational reliability, and efficiency of the national distribution and transmission pipelines.
