[2B8] Guided wave testing advances in the detection of metal loss in stainless steel pipelines and plate structures
S Hughes
Eddyfi Technologies, UK
Guided wave ultrasonic testing is a well-established non-destructive testing (NDT) method used for the rapid screening of pipelines and process piping for metal loss, such as corrosion and erosion, particularly within the energy industry. As an externally applied tool, it finds application in testing pipelines whilst in service. Currently, commercial guided wave systems primarily focus on standard procedures for long-range ultrasonic testing and the detection of defects with a 5% cross-sectional area, where the range of inspection distance is typically the most important consideration.
This paper presents two advancements in guided wave ultrasonic testing relevant to the energy industry, highlighting improvements that broaden the applicability of the technique.
The first application involves the Sonyks segmented electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) inspection tool, which employs higher-frequency medium-range ultrasonic testing (MRUT) for inspecting stainless steel piping. A combination of increasing the frequency of testing and reducing the test range has allowed for the detection of smaller defects, making it attractive for detecting localised degradation mechanisms that can occur in stainless steel. A case study will be presented, illustrating the detection of stress corrosion cracking in a stainless steel pipe in the field.
The second development focuses on detecting defects in plate structures using guided wave phased array (GWPA) technology. An innovative probe design, integrated with the Sonyks instrument, enables full matrix capture of shear horizontal wave modes in plates, facilitating rapid and comprehensive inspection. Laboratory and preliminary field trials will be presented, demonstrating the potential of the technique for future applications.
This paper presents two advancements in guided wave ultrasonic testing relevant to the energy industry, highlighting improvements that broaden the applicability of the technique.
The first application involves the Sonyks segmented electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) inspection tool, which employs higher-frequency medium-range ultrasonic testing (MRUT) for inspecting stainless steel piping. A combination of increasing the frequency of testing and reducing the test range has allowed for the detection of smaller defects, making it attractive for detecting localised degradation mechanisms that can occur in stainless steel. A case study will be presented, illustrating the detection of stress corrosion cracking in a stainless steel pipe in the field.
The second development focuses on detecting defects in plate structures using guided wave phased array (GWPA) technology. An innovative probe design, integrated with the Sonyks instrument, enables full matrix capture of shear horizontal wave modes in plates, facilitating rapid and comprehensive inspection. Laboratory and preliminary field trials will be presented, demonstrating the potential of the technique for future applications.
