What Is Ultrasonic Pipeline Inspection?
Ultrasonic pipeline inspection entails the usage of a high-frequency sound wave to measure wall thickness. It is an effective diagnostic tool for the detection of flaws. The method is non-invasive, safe, and if used correctly, it is also highly accurate.
The method is often used to determine where corrosion has taken place in a pipe or where there are weld problems. It is a cost-effective method for the detection of vulnerabilities without having to cut the pipe or tube to perform the inspection.
How the Technology Works
Various methods are used, but the technology entails the introduction ofan ultrasonic or high-frequency sound wave to the exterior of the pipe or tube. The echo that reflects from the interior of the wall is measured to determine the thickness of the wall.
Because a sound wave is used, it doesn’t damage or change the surface that is measured. The method is safe also for people nearby and surrounding electric equipment. This makes it possible to inspect pipelines for possible vulnerabilities without having to be concerned about possible damage to sensitive equipment in the vicinity where testing takes place. Engineers don’t have to be concerned about emissions or potential radiation risk. The diagnostic tool can be used on vessels, tanks, pipes, furnace (tubes), and pipelines. It is a quick way to determine the integrity of the tested area’s wall.
However, for it to be accurate and of use, the instrumentation must be well-maintained and used by a skilled technician. The results of the measurement are not worth anything unless analysed by a trained professional. The data is merely a set of entries if not correctly analysed and presented in a report. To this end, our expertise, also when using ultrasonic diagnostics, helps clients to gain a clear understanding of the state of their pipelines, furnaces, and fired heaters.
Ultrasonic inspection can be used for pipelines, tanks, condenser water systems, process cooling systems, and closed systems. It can be applied to sanitary waste systems, gas systems, fuellines, oil lines, compressed air systems, and vent stacks. It is important to understand that, as with any type of technology used, it does have limitations. It cannot be used to identify the cause of a system line failure, and volume, type or location of deposits.
It is used as part of the process to assess wall thickness before a vessel, tank or pipeline welding operation starts. It is also used to determine the base condition of a tank or pipe before engineers start with the renovation or repair operations. Themethod is used to determine the level of corrosion, where a leak is and whether the leak is the result of corrosion. It is thus an extremely useful and accurate diagnostic tool.
We provide furnace tube inspection with the use of the intelligent pigging system, specifically designed to inspect the bends and tubes in the furnace. This method has a low impact on the shut-down time. Because of the design, the pigging tool is a free-swimming device that makes ultrasonic inspection of the tubes and bends cost-effective. It is compact and can move through the bends with ease. The ultrasonic measurements are kept safe within the pig. Once the pig is removed from the furnace, we download the data and perform the relevant analysis. Benefit from our expertise and cost-effective services. Reach out for a quote on ultrasonic pipeline inspection.
