PR-328-173866-R01 Performance Capabilities Evaluation of ILI for ERW Pipe Long Seam Features

Abstract

The PRCI project IM-3-1 "Performance Capabilities Evaluation of ILI for Long Seam Features in ERW Pipe" is part of an integrated multi-year, multi-phased program and systematic approach for evaluating the performance capabilities and limitations of NDE and ILI inspection technologies to detect, identify, and size features, flaws, and indications potentially present in the longitudinal seam of ERW pipe. This project is also closely tied to the NDE-4 Program on Improving/Enhancing ILI Technologies. Prior inspection technology development and performance qualification for ERW threats relied on artificial notches that limit the reliable simulation of actual ERW seam features. Through an extraordinary effort made by PRCI and its pipeline operator membership, a string of joints containing the largest set of actual ERW features available in the industry have been put together. This string is being used in performance testing of in-line inspection (ILI) and in-the-ditch non-destructive examination (NDE) technologies with regard to the detection, identification and sizing of ERW seam anomalies. Operators benefit from this research through a quantified analysis of tests performed on actual ERW features concluding the performance of commercially available NDE and ILI ERW seam inspection technologies. The dataset development includes over 257 metallographic sections of ERW seam anomalies to provide "truth" data, against which the inspection technologies performance is measured. Discussions are provided based on the research findings to date, with recommendations for additional research and how that future work ties to the PRCI Research Roadmaps.