Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) More »
6410-J Langfield Road Technology Development Center Houston, Texas 77092 www.prci.org
Funding Agency:
Program Area(s):
Threats and Integrity Management -- Anomaly Detection and Characterization
Project/Technology Description:
The evaluation project provides operators with a comprehensive framework and guidance for integrity management of longitudinal seam welded pipe (see picture).
The project evaluated various NDA technologies and summarized the applicability of ILI technologies of MFL, USCCD and EMAT in characterizing long seam features for in-ditch analysis of Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) pipe weld seam anomalies.
Impact of Project/Technology on Technological Advancement to Gas Industry:
The round-robin tests of NDE tools using ERW samples evaluated standardized NDE protocols for in-ditch NDE of ERW seam features.
Applicable Metrics:
Increased Safety - External inspection and corrosion monitoring are one of the critical components of a pipeline integrity program. Real-time monitoring of ERW seams provides an effective means to detect and correct welding issues.
References:
PRCI Natural Gas Pipeline Integrity Research, Mike Whelan, Director, Research Operations, California Energy Commission Staff Workshop July, 2015.