Project Update: Development of a PRCI ILI Performance Test Loop for Liquid Coupled Technologies (NDE-4-2)

NDE-4-2: Development of a PRCI ILI Performance Test Loop for Liquid Coupled Technologies

In 2016 PRCI continues to expand on its available services and capabilities at the newly established Technology Development Center (TDC) in Houston, TX by constructing a liquid flow loop for testing liquid coupled and propelled in-line inspection technologies. The proposed flow loop will consist of three nominal pipe sizes; 6, 8 and 12 inch and will use water as the test fluid. Together with the large set of pipe samples already warehoused at the TDC containing real-world defects, the successful installation of this loop will provide PRCI members and the pipeline industry the unique opportunity to:  

1. conduct blind testing of ILI technologies to evaluate conformance to a claimed or desired performance specification,
2. support the development of performance specifications for detecting specific integrity threats when such capability does not currently exist,
3. and qualify actual ILI performance for specific integrity threats or conditions.

The detailed engineering design of the test loop has been completed with plans to commence the construction soon. The project aims to have the 8” test loop fully operational by end of 2^nd quarter 2016, shortly followed by the 6” and 12” loops. (NDE-4-2)