Sensor Technologies
Sensor Technologies
Robert Bickerstaff, Mark Vaughn, Gerald Stoker, Michael Hassard, and Mark Garrett
Sandia National Laboratories
Introduction
This paper reviews existing sensor technologies for in-line inspection of pipelines (ILI). This
information is in support of the development and application of new sensors compatible with a
robotic vehicle for ILI that can maneuver within the pipe, enhancing sensor performance and
inspection capabilities.
When examining the condition of a pipeline,
In-Line Inspection (ILI) utilizing various
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods is
an essential tool and a significant factor in
establishing a quality management program
that ensures safe, cost effective operation of
the pipeline.
Source: http://www.bjservices.com/
Detection Capabilities
The major difference between the Low and
High-Res tools is the resolution and
accuracy of the data recorded. Standard
tools have larger and fewer sensor pads,
which reduce anomaly definition, especially
when there are many small anomalies in
close proximity.
Eddy current
server.phy.queensu.ca/wwwhome/atherton/rfliintr.html
Emerging Applications
Eddy current NDT technology, relative
to gas pipelines, is typically an external
inspection technique, but some
specialized techniques hold promise for
internal inspection
An effort is underway to look at using
ET within pipes: http://phy-
Some Advantages to ET
Non-contact test
No residual effects
MFL induced currents can be detected
by ET sensors
server.phy.queensu.ca/wwwhome/atherton/remote_field.html
Disadvantages With ET
Slow response limits ILI applications at
current pigs speeds
Maintaining appropriate lift off distance
(sensitive to coupling variations)
Disadvantages With UT
Difficulty in coupling to the pipe wall
with a fast moving pig
Flow restriction while pigging
Longitudinal Resolution:
3 mm (0.12 in.)
Circumferential Resolution:
8 mm (0.3 in.)
Minimum detectable corrosion depth:
0.2 mm (0.008 in.)
Some Advantages to UT
Direct and linear wall thickness
measurement method, and reliable defect
depth sizing and good repeatability
No upper limit to pipe-wall thickness,
relative to inspection
Sensitive to a larger number of features
than MFL
http://www.gasandoil.com/goc/company/cnn65104.htm
http://www.hitechtech.com/pipeline.htm
http://www.gri.org/pub/abstracts/gri97_0073.html
http://www.ndt.net/article/pacndt98/4/4.htm
Detection Capabilities
Basic accuracy of depth measurements:
0.5 mm (0.02 in.)
For flat surfaces and wall thickness:
0.2 mm (0.008 in.)
Some Advantages to AE
Whole structure can be monitored from a
few locations
Structure can be tested in use (without
taking it out of service or interrupting
product flow)
Continuous monitoring with alarms is
possible
Can potentially discriminate between
internal, mid-wall, and external defects
Microscopic changes can be detected if
sufficient energy is released
Source location is also possible using
multiple sensors
http://www.piigroup.com/inline_inspection/tools/ultrascanwm.html
Running mapping tools before or after an inline inspection run allows for subsequent
correlation that can lead to locating the ILI
data with sub-meter accuracy.
Odometer Wheels
For ILI to be of use to a pipeline owner, the
information on defects must be accurately
correlated with the location, otherwise large
sections of pipe would have to be excavated.
Typical basic location is established by
using a simple odometer wheel rolling along
the pipe wall. Accuracy of this method
depends on the cleanliness and condition of
the pipe interior since slippage can cause
inaccuracy.
Video
Video imaging of the interior of natural gas
pipelines is currently performed by at least
one company. The images are certainly
valuable for gross diagnostic of the pipes
condition, but unfortunately, provide little
detail about the true condition of the
pipeline. A sample of this existing
technology is shown in Figure 3.
Mapping/GPS Tools
These tools are based on newer technology
than and are much more accurate than
odometer wheels. These systems are, of
course, more complicated, power dependent,
Source: http://www.neo.no/pRes.sreleases.html
Acknowledgement
This work was supported by the U. S.
Department of Energy, National Energy
Technology Laboratory, (NETL), Office of
Fossil Energy.
References
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