In-Line Inspection Technologies for Mechanical Damage and SCC in Pipelines

Overview

Main Objective

This project evaluated and developed inspection technologies for mechanical damage and cracks in pipelines. Most of the project examined MFL for mechanical damage defects. Included were evaluations of existing analysis methods to establish a baseline from which today's tools can be evaluated and tomorrow's advances measured. In addition, improvements were developed and verified through pull rig and flow loop testing. Finally, an experience base and defect sets were built.

Public Abstract

This project evaluated and developed inspection technologies for mechanical damage and cracks in pipelines. Most of the project examined MFL for mechanical damage defects. Included were evaluations of existing analysis methods to establish a baseline from which today's tools can be evaluated and tomorrow's advances measured. In addition, improvements were developed and verified through pull rig and flow loop testing. Finally, an experience base and defect sets were built.

• Several techniques were developed for analyzing MFL signals for detection and characterization of mechanical damage. These techniques are valid over a range of defect geometries, but none is valid all the time. Consequently, a combination of techniques will be needed for commercial application.
• Initial commerical applications will seek to detect and determine the relative severity of mechanical damage. Later applications will extend the results so absolute severities can be estimated.
• Follow-on work is needed on methods of predicting defect features and severity.

A smaller portion of the project evaluated inspection technologies for cracks. The focus was on electromagnetic techniques. These techniques are still in the early stages of development.

Status History

Final report issued 06/2000. Completed 2001.

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