[2C1] Development of guidance for ultrasonic NDT for non-intrusive inspection at elevated temperatures
S Burch, M Jones and H Peramatzis
ESR Technology Ltd, UK
The non-intrusive inspection (NII) of pressure vessels using external in-service ultrasonic NDT has multiple advantages compared to internal visual inspection, including the significant reduction of downtime-related costs and safety benefits from avoiding man-entry into vessels.
The HOIS joint industry project, with support from the Net Zero Technology Centre, has recently been focusing on the NII of components with operating temperatures of up to 250°C (typical of upstream applications). The aim of the work is to develop specific recommendations for in-service inspection of components at relatively high operating temperatures, thereby extending the benefits of NII to a wider range of vessels.
Experimental trials have been performed on test components at up to 250°C, with an emphasis on scanning ultrasonic systems used for corrosion mapping, time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) and angled-beam phased array. These inspections are challenging because they require probes to be in contact with the hot surface much longer than for spot thickness measurements. The lessons learned from trials on both ex-service and manufactured samples are leading to the development of specific guidance for NII at elevated temperatures.
This paper will highlight the technical challenges associated with ultrasonic scanning systems at elevated temperatures, share the lessons learned from the trials and summarise the guidance developed.
The HOIS joint industry project, with support from the Net Zero Technology Centre, has recently been focusing on the NII of components with operating temperatures of up to 250°C (typical of upstream applications). The aim of the work is to develop specific recommendations for in-service inspection of components at relatively high operating temperatures, thereby extending the benefits of NII to a wider range of vessels.
Experimental trials have been performed on test components at up to 250°C, with an emphasis on scanning ultrasonic systems used for corrosion mapping, time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) and angled-beam phased array. These inspections are challenging because they require probes to be in contact with the hot surface much longer than for spot thickness measurements. The lessons learned from trials on both ex-service and manufactured samples are leading to the development of specific guidance for NII at elevated temperatures.
This paper will highlight the technical challenges associated with ultrasonic scanning systems at elevated temperatures, share the lessons learned from the trials and summarise the guidance developed.
