What is Pipeline Inspection and Ultrasonic Testing?

Pipeline testing and Ultrasonic testing are two key methods of industrial materials testing. These two methods adopt different techniques to serve a common purpose. Pipeline inspection: Pipeline inspection is an indispensible operation that must be carried out periodically by the industries such as gas exploration and supply industry, which operate through and depend upon pipelines for their operations. Pipeline inspection is vital for the functioning of an industry as any blockage or scale formation can lead to losses running into millions of dollars. Pipeline inspection has to be carried out using non-destructive testing as it prevents losses. In-line inspection is carried out using MFL technique or Magnetic Flux Leakage where a powerful magnet is used to magnetize the steel to find out areas where steel is corroded or pitted analyzing the magnetic field "leaks" from the steel. In an MFL tool, a magnetic detector is placed between the poles of the magnet to detect the leakage field. Analysts interpret the chart recording of the leakage field to identify damaged areas and hopefully to estimate the depth of metal loss. Recently, advancements in digital imaging led to the development of high-resolution MFL tools that are becoming prevalent replacing the traditional uses for which it was developed at the first place. Originally, the modern High Resolution MFL tool was developed and designed for detecting areas of metal loss. However, now it is increasingly being used to accurately assess the extent of corrosion, pitting, inconsistencies, dents, wrinkles, buckles, and, in some cases, cracks. Thus, this technique can easily perform simultaneous tasks efficiently and proves cost-saving.

Ultrasonic testing: Ultrasonic testing methods are used to measure the thickness of the samples and to monitor the extent of corrosion and any oxide deposit that might have built up. Some of the techniques of ultrasonic testing are the Electromagnetic Acoustic Transmission or EMAT, the Phased Array or PA and the Time of Flight Diffraction or TOFD. The TOFD is used to evaluate cracks in welds accurately. These devices are mounted on a travelling buggy that travels inside the area or along the weld that has to be tested.

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The article is contributed by a professional article writer, having experiences of working in different industries. For further information on materials testing and failure analysis visit http://www.acuren.com/

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