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IN-LINE CRACK DETECTION IN SMALL DIAMETER PIPELINES

Objective

Crack-like defects such as, for example, stress corrosion cracks (SCC) or fatigue cracks represent the most dangerous defects in pipelines which can lead to failures with potentially catastrophic impact on man and environment. In line inspection tools for crack detection are currently not available for pipeline diameters <= 20". The aim of the project is to demonstrate the feasibility of reliable inline crack detection in small diameter pipelines in an operating pipeline using ultrasound-based intelligent pigging. In addition, the proposed technology can be used to replace hydrostatic retesting as a means of integrity testing. This will enable pipeline operators to increase the safety of their lines as well as to reduce the costs of integrity testing.
Following the design and development phase a 12" prototype tool will be set up and extensively tested using a test pipeline. After that the performance of the tool will be demonstrated in a real 12" crude oil pipeline. Based on the already available experience with ultrasonic crack detection in large diameter pipelines the following outcomes of the project are expected :
- innovation in the field of both ultrasonic electronics and data processing hardware.
- Availability of a prototype tool for crack detection in small diameter pipelines (diameters from 10" to 16")
- demonstration of reliable in-line crack detection in an operating 12" crude oil pipeline.
Pipeline systems are a considerable component of the world energy supply system and usually ensure a safe and, from an environmental point of view, acceptable means of transport for liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons.The integrity of a pipeline, however, can be severly damaged in the course of its design life e.g. by corrosion or cracking. In the event of damage, for example leakages or ruptures, serious impacts on man and environment are to be expected. Intelligent in-line inspection based on the ultrasonic technique can detect crack-line defects on the inside as well as on the outside of a pipe at early stages and in this way prevent damages. in line inspection tools for crack detection in small diameter pipelines (diameter <20"), however, are currently not available on the market. To provide such a tool to pipeline operators is considered to be an important innovation in the field of in line inspection. The prototype to be developed will be based on the UltraScan CD (Crach Detection) tool introduced in 1994 by pipetronix for crack detection in large diameter pipelines (diameters >20") and being successfully used since.
Setting up the planned in-line crack inspection tool for small diameter pipelines basically requires a considerable miniaturisation of most of the currently existing internal tool components as well as a reduction of the power consumption. This includes in particular a redesign of the following tool components :
- ultrasonic electronics (transmitter, receiver, digitizer, data preprocessing)
- data reduction units
- data storage
- sensor carrier

Call for proposal

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Coordinator

PIPETRONIX GMBH
EU contribution
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Address
LORENZSTRASSE 10
76297 Stutensee
Germany

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Total cost
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