Expedited Reporting of a Hydrogen Service Pipeline

A European refinery operates a multi-size (8"-10") hydrogenA natural gas element used in non-destructive testing, hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol "H" and atomic number 1. It is the lightest and most abun… pipeline, in service since 1956. Made of seamlessPipe constructed through an extrusion process, resulting in a pipe joint without a seam weld, known for large variation in wall thickness. line pipe, this line has girth weldA girth weld is a type of weld used in pipelines to join two sections of pipe together circumferentially. It is commonly used in the construction of long-distan… defects attributable to poor welding techniques of the time.

The aim of this inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… was to validate previous ILI inspections and provide enhanced accuracy of the true condition of this pipeline using high-resolution 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…. This inspection focused on an API 5L B steel grade pipeline with a nominal wall thicknessThe specified or intended thickness of a pipe's wall as determined by the design or engineering standards. It is typically denoted as a nominal value and is use… of 8.74 to 9.27 mm (0.34 to 0.36 in).

A previous hydrotest and high-resolution magnetic flux leakage (MFL)A 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… inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…, reported several girth weldA girth weld is a type of weld used in pipelines to join two sections of pipe together circumferentially. It is commonly used in the construction of long-distan… anomalies, such as lack of penetration or incomplete welding. However, a 60 mm (2.4 in) open circumferential crackRefers to a type of crack or fracture that occurs around the circumference of a pipeline, typically in a circular or elliptical pattern. It is a form of structu… associated with the weldLocalized coalescence of metals produced by heating the materials to the welding temperature, with or without the application of pressure, or by the application… was only discovered following an excavation which was found and repaired.

• Previously excavated girth welds revealed no 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…, but other typical welding defects however, the OperatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… wanted to rule out the presence of any circumferentialAn event that occurs or is measured along the circumference of a pipeline. It implies the direction or orientation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axi…-oriented cracks in the girth weldA girth weld is a type of weld used in pipelines to join two sections of pipe together circumferentially. It is commonly used in the construction of long-distan… or HAZ areas for the entire pipeline.

• The remaining two pipeline sections needed to be inspected as well, due to the same metallurgic origin and service parameters.

• The operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… requested full data on the locations and dimensions of any circumferentialAn event that occurs or is measured along the circumference of a pipeline. It implies the direction or orientation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axi… open 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… or initial crack in an expedited timeline.

• 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…: NDT Global provided a successful inline inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…, collecting detailed and precise information about the different anomalies and threats in the OperatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel…’s pipelines in only 7 days.

• Expedited data analysisThe evaluation process of extracting insights, patterns, and valuable information from the data collected during pipeline operations, inspections, or monitoring… reporting: The data analysis process took 4 weeks, delivering accurate information regarding 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 anomalies; verified weldLocalized coalescence of metals produced by heating the materials to the welding temperature, with or without the application of pressure, or by the application… anomalies, including lack of fusionA welding defect that can occur during the fabrication or construction of pipelines, pressure vessels, and other equipment. It refers to an incomplete fusion be…, lack of penetration, weld misalignments; localized metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. at GW, HAZ, and mid-wall anomalies.

• Data Analysis support: TECMA and the OperatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… requested additional sessions with NDT Global’s data analysts for further clarification to better interpret the inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… results moving forward.