ACOUSTIC EMISSION TESTING OF FIBERGLASS PIPES AND FITTINGS

Abstract

Experimental studies was carried out. The purpose was to develop a method to test fiberglass pipelines in operating mode. The acoustic emission method was chosen as the main method of nondestructive testing, and visual and dimensional inspection was chosen as an additional method. Acoustic parameters and acoustic emission properties of fiberglass pipes were determined. It was found that acoustic emission sensors can be installed at distances of up to 9-18 m from each other. A series of loading tests was carried out to refine the methodology. Every loading case was performed until leakage registration. In most cases, leakage occurred near the fillet at pressures of 2.2…3.0 from the working pressure, which indicates a large margin of safety for fiberglass pipes. It is confirmed that the acoustic emission method allows early defect detection. Based on the acoustic emission data, 4 main stages of fiberglass pipes degradation were identified. Visual and dimensional inspection was informative only at stages III – IV. Stage IV in most cases corresponds to the leakage. Even early stage of depressurization was registered as continuous acoustic emission. Signals with amplitudes exceeding 60…80 dB were registered at all loading stages. The location map became informative after filtering events by acoustic emission parameters. A methodology for the testing of fiberglass pipes and fittings in operating mode was developed. It contains, in contrast to the currently valid standards, specific numerical values of various quantities related to both the preparation and carrying out of acoustic emission testing and the classification of the identified sources of acoustic emission according to the degree of danger and allows to evaluate the residual life of fiberglass pipelines. The most informative parameter was the activity of acoustic emission; therefore, it is recommended to carry out loading without holding the pressure. It is planned to carry out additional experiments to clarify the mechanisms of fracture acting at each of the 4 identified stages of degradation.