Having joined NDT Global in 2015, my professional background was predominantly in MFLA type of non-destructive evaluation used on inline inspection (ILI) technology in which a magnetic field is induced in the pipe wall to detect, classify, and c…, so I was initially skeptical to the full benefit of an ultrasonic technologySystems used in non-destructive testing that utilize sound waves to detect, identify, and measure anomalies within a pipeline integrity test or management progr… inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…. However, truth be told, it didn't take long for me to understand why operators were turning to ultrasonic metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. inspections versus traditional technology.
My NDT Global induction brought me on a comprehensive journey. From cross-collaboration with our data and robotics teams to hands on client engagements and site visits, I quickly developed a full understanding about the true benefits of NDT Global's ultrasonic metal loss solution, focusing on the unique approach to deliver a high-resolution pinholeA small, localized hole or perforation in the wall of a pipeline with surface dimensions smaller than 1t or 10 mm whichever is greater in length and width direc… and pittingLocalized corrosion of a pipeline's metal surface, resulting in small, localized pits or cavities. metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re….
Fast forward four years to today, and the demand for ultrasonic metal loss has drastically increased. Not only are operators becoming more educated on how to preserve their pipelines, but technology has advanced and is continuing to do so.
When I meet with prospective clients, first and foremost I listen to ensure I deliver the correct inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… advice. I need to understand their challenges and gather information about their pipeline and known defects to see (in this context) if ultrasonic metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. is a suitable solution for their inspection purposes.
When operators are experiencing challenges with complex corrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca…, shallow or steep-sided corrosion, I work with them to ensure they are aware of the technology differences – the limitations traditional MFLA type of non-destructive evaluation used on inline inspection (ILI) technology in which a magnetic field is induced in the pipe wall to detect, classify, and c…-based inspections impose as well as the benefits to utilizing ultrasonic-based technology, such as ultrasonic metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. .
In general, an important point I highlight is how imperative it is to understand why accuracy is key when inspecting a pipeline and how that accuracy plays a huge role in avoiding unnecessary digs and making the right decisions when managing each asset. While we receive many inquiries around a diverse set of metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. -related pipeline concerns, several of those concerns revolve around complex corrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca… features.
A critical benefit for ultrasonic metal loss technologies can be seen with heavy walled pipes. As wall thickness increases, both sizing and accuracy tolerances for magnetic, or MFLA type of non-destructive evaluation used on inline inspection (ILI) technology in which a magnetic field is induced in the pipe wall to detect, classify, and c…-based technologies increases. But, with ultrasonic metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. technology, the specification remains the same throughout all wall thickness. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the limitations and benefits of both MFL and ultrasonic metal loss technologies. When accuracy is key, whether it's for complex corrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca…, challenging metal loss or heavy wall pipe, ultrasonic metal loss is the best solution.
Many operators are interested in combining inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… solutions or 'combination runs' simply because combining solutions brings many benefits. For example, when ultrasonic metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. is combined with an ultrasonic crack inspection, the additional data set allows us to identify and discriminate defects with increased accuracy. With combination runs, we receive more data points which are used to distinguish irregularities and most importantly detectTo sense or obtain a measurable indication from a feature.
interacting threats.
At NDT Global's aim, regardless the type of inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…, is simple: to provide the most accurate assessment of our customers pipelines, so operators make the right decisions without hesitation. We understand that no two pipelines are the same and work on the premise that successful 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… is all about accuracy, precision and identifying the best fit.
Should you wish to learn more about our ultrasonic metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. solution, you can contact us.
About Ryan Sikes
In 2015, Ryan joined NDT Global as a Key Account Manager, bringing experience from several roles in the pipeline inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… industry. From field level operations to serving as a consultant, Ryan's worked closely with pipeline operators and 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… providers for more than 7 years. When Ryan joined NDT Global, he was quickly identified as a trusted technical resource and customer-strategist with a passion for identifying, mitigating and managing metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. and 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 defects in pipelines.
