Blog: Changing Detection Inspection That Is Changing the Game

NDT Global inspects several vintage pipelines that have been in the ground for 40 years or longer. Older pipelines typically contain multiple manufacturing related anomalies such as hook cracks in the long-seam area. This area happens to be the weakest part of the entire pipeline, so it is crucial to be able to precisely detectTo sense or obtain a measurable indication from a feature. and size features that exist in vulnerable zones.

In the conventional ultrasonic crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… detection technology, there are certain limitations that make it impossible to size hook cracks due to the complexity of their geometries.

When crack inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… technology was first released to the market, pulse echoA common ultrasonic testing technique used in non-destructive testing (NDT) to detect and evaluate defects or anomalies such as corrosion, cracks, or metal loss… was capable of accurately sizing cracks that were not tilted. During that time, it was simply enough to detectTo sense or obtain a measurable indication from a feature. most of the immediate threats of pipelines. However, pulse-echo's detection and sizing capabilities reached its limits, and injurious features remained.

What was needed to detect these injurious features including manufacturing-related anomalies that have grown over decades? A new and improved technology was the only solution.

With enhanced capabilities in the Eclipse ultrasonic crack inspection tool, we can incorporate a technique that records two signals and three methodologies instead of one signal and one methodology. Let me explain.

When creating the Eclipse ultrasonic crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… tool, our objective was to provide detailed information on at-riskA measure of loss in terms of both the incident likelihood of occurrence and the magnitude of the consequences. features in at-risk areas. The Eclipse ultrasonic crack inspection tool analysis is performed in tandem, evaluating pulse-echo while also assessing pitch and catchA technique used in ultrasonic testing (UT) to inspect materials for defects or abnormalities. It involves the use of two separate ultrasonic transducers: one t… signals. These signals complement one other, so when pulse-echo reaches its limits, the Eclipse ultrasonic crack inspection tool signal jumps in and picks up any lost depth. This ensures the depth for complex geometry features is recorded. The technological addition has immensely accelerated operators' standards throughout the industry. 

Let's take a step back and reiterate the significance of this innovation. Prior to this advancement, we could identify a featureGeneral term for an anomaly detected during an assessment. Features can be anomalies, components, nearby metallic objects, welds, appurtenances, or some other i… as crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel…-like but were unable to provide insight into the specifics of this crack-like feature. How do you prioritize a data list that simply says 'crack-like' features? It's nearly impossible.

With the Eclipse ultrasonic crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… tool, we can put our finger on exactly what features exist by providing sub-features. We can tell an operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… that a crack in their pipeline can be branching or hooked and see under the surface within that featureGeneral term for an anomaly detected during an assessment. Features can be anomalies, components, nearby metallic objects, welds, appurtenances, or some other i…. With a subtype category, operators can have transparency into the real challenges of their pipeline and focus their efforts on the features that matter most.

I recently had a conversation with an operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… who has been running our tools since 2009. We have analyzed large amounts of their data over time and we were discussing how we could leverage the Eclipse ultrasonic crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… tool for a specific pipeline of theirs. Based on the historic data, it was clear that their features were not growing. So why would it be beneficial to run an Eclipse tool?

With Eclipse, this operator would be able to distinguish (out of their universe of features) the difference between each crack features, i.e. hook cracks versus lack of fusions. This allows them to incorporate this additional data point into their pressure calculations, ensuring they are taking the proper safety measures while simultaneously improving their overall integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … program.

As we stand today, there are currently no assessments outside of NDT Global that are conducting a sub-type category analysis. The Eclipse ultrasonic crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… tool has significantly increased the POX (probability of detectionThe probability of a feature being detected by an inline inspection (ILI) tool., identification, and depth sizing) standards throughout the inline inspectionA method used to assess the the integrity and condition of pipelines. It involves the use of specialized tools that are inserted into the pipeline and propelled… industry and serves as motivation to continuously expand our on our capabilities.

If you'd like to learn more about the Eclipse ultrasonic crack inspection tool, feel free to send me an email at Rogelio.Guajardo@NDT-Global.com.