Verifying Emerging Pipeline Cracking Threats Using Ultrasonic Technology

A pipeline operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… required the inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… of six 12" pipeline segments transporting light crude oil. They wanted to identify circumferentially oriented crack-like indications within an 814 km (506 miles) pipeline with inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… segments ranging in length from 61 km to 251 km (38 to 156 miles) each.

Previous 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 … digs identified 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…-like indications requiring the entire system to be inspected to accurately determine the severity of these threats. The majority of the line segments consisted of grade X46 low frequencyA term used to describe radio waves within the 30 to 300 kilohertz range. ERW pipe with 4.78 mm (0.19 in) wall thickness.

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… cracks form at/or near circumferential welds and/or local stressThe internal forces and pressures experienced by a pipeline as a result of various factors, including internal and external loads, operating conditions, and env…/strainRefers to the stress and deformation that a pipeline experiences due to external forces, such as ground movement, soil settlement, or external loading. When … accumulations. They are caused by soil and pipe movement which are typically the result of local earthquakes and landslides.

• 99.5% of identified flaws were within specified toleranceThe accuracy with which an anomaly dimension or characteristic is reported with a specified certainty. for depth sizing of 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… cracks, which is ±1 mm (0.4 in) at 90% confidence. The standard data analysisThe evaluation process of extracting insights, patterns, and valuable information from the data collected during pipeline operations, inspections, or monitoring… process resulted in approximately 1,600 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… fields and 420 crack and crack-like indications, all oriented in the circumferential direction. In addition, approximately 100 corrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca… anomalies and 360 dentA local change in pipe surface contour caused by an external force such as mechanical impact or rock impingement but is not accompanied by loss of metal. or ID variations also were detected.

• 100% first run successRefers to the completion of a process or operation that achieves the desired outcome or meets the required specifications without the need for any rework, modif… was achieved on all 6 of the pipe segments. The overall results for the data analyzed shows probability of detection (POD)The probability of a feature being detected by an inline inspection (ILI) tool. of > 95% for all 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… 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… fields and crack like defects. Pipeline inspections are major undertakings involving significant time and resources.  When dealing with a pipeline in these geographic areas, failureThe inability of a pipeline system to fulfill its intended function or meet the required performance criteria. Pipeline failures can have significant consequenc… to collect data can have a huge impact on 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 … management, operations and profitability. 

• Fast turnaround between inspections: The average time between inspections on the pipeline segments was less than 6 days from receiving the inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… tool in one section to launching it in the next. During this turnaround time, the inspection tools were completely refurbished and subjected to thorough onsite testing prior to being deemed fit to inspect the following segmentA specific section of a pipeline system that is typically defined based on its geographic location, operational characteristics, or other relevant factors. Seg….