Validating Non-Destructive Tools for Surface to Bulk Correlations of Yield Strength, Toughness, and Chemistry

Overview

Fast Facts
Project No.	729
Contract No.	693JK31810003
Research Award Recipient	Operations Technology Development NFP 1700 South Mount Prospect Road Des Plaines, IL 60018
AOR	Steve Nanney Joe Pishnery
Researcher Contact Info	Daniel Ersoy President and Principal Engineer Element Resources, LLC dersoy@elementresourcesllc.com 847.343.9755
Peer Review	Very Effective
Peer Review	More than Effective

Technology and Commercialization
Technology Demonstrated	TBD
Commercialized (in whole/part)	TBD
Commercial Partner	Empty Value
Net Improvement	Empty Value

Financial and Status Data
Project Status	Closed
Start Fiscal Year	2018 (08/01/2018)
End Fiscal Year	2021 (07/31/2021)
PHMSA $$ Budgeted	$489,515.00

Main Objective

To facilitate the use of non-destructive surface testing: micro-indentation, micro-machining, chemistry, and replicate microscopy analysis as accurate, efficient, and cost effective tools for material property confirmation. Validation of the testing technology provides benefits to pipeline safety, energy continuity, and integrity assessment programs since these techniques do not require a line to be taken out of service and do not destructively cut out samples from the in-service pipeline.

Public Abstract

Objectives: To facilitate the use of non-destructive surface testing: micro-indentation, micro-machining, in situ chemistry, and replicate microscopy analysis as accurate, efficient, and cost effective tools for material property confirmation. This work will provide benefits to pipeline safety, energy continuity, and integrity assessment programs since these techniques do not require a line to be taken out of service and do not destructively cut out samples from the in-service pipeline. The benefits are applicable to pending DOT/PHMSA regulations that require operators to backfill their material property records for grandfathered pipeline segments.

Methodology: The project will test and model state-of-the-art technology from Massachusetts Materials Technologies (MMT), Frontics America Inc. (Frontics), Arizona State University (ASU), and Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and to develop associated models that account for pipe material thermo-mechanical process variations, through-wall variability of material, mechanical, and chemical properties. The test results and associated analysis will be used to develop correlations between surface properties and bulk material properties. Clearly specified statistical confidence bounds for these predictive models will be developed in this project.

Sponsoring Organizations: Operations Technology Development (OTD), Gas Technology Institute, Arizona State University, and Massachusetts Materials Technologies.