Human Centric Approach to Improve Pipeline Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Performance and Reliability

Overview

Main Objective

This is a phased approach to first identify major human factors impacting NDE measurements and then solve those high-impact gaps with human and technology interventions. Human factors will be identified using well-established Saba™ Peak Performance System (PPS) and its accompanying Human Performance Technology (HPT) Front-end Analysis (FEA). Following phases will develop and validate intervention solutions that target those top human factors identified previously identified.

Public Abstract

Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) is critical in operating pipelines safely and efficiently, but these inspections in the ditch are often riddled with unintentional human error. This can, and has proven to have, serious consequences in the form of lost lives and staggering property damage. The Battelle Team proposes a powerful research program to tackle this critical deficiency and pilot both technology and human solutions in the next two to three years for future commercialization plans. Battelle has experts explicitly in human factor evaluations, who will lead the investigation, and will closely collaborate with partnering NDE vendors Mistras Group, Inc, JENTEK Sensors, Inc, and Applus RTD. Extensive interviews, protocol reviews, field observations, and control tests with field pipe defects will be systematically analyzed to identify and prioritize detrimental human shaping factors in the first 12 months. For the most effective analysis, Battelle experts will optimize the well-established Saba™ Peak Performance System accompanied by Human Performance Technology Front-end Analysis. In the following one to two years, solutions will be developed and piloted, with Phase 2 dedicated to human interventions and Phase 3 to technology interventions.

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