PRCI has completed a comprehensive study on the performance of Long-Range Guided Wave Ultrasonic Technology (GWUT) and completed review of the Draft Report prepared to describe the results and key findings of this work. The work was completed by GDF Suez at their CRIGEN R&D Facility in Saint Denis, France and was implemented in partnership with a group of French pipeline operating companies that have formed a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to address pipeline integrity. This report is an important document for the pipeline industry and now provides a basis on which pipeline operators can make informed decisions on the use of GWUT and the selection of the appropriate technology/wavelength for a set of specific conditions for a given inspection event.
GWUT is designed to assist in integrity assessment when other alternatives are not available or cannot produce the desired results. While the industry has applied and utilized GWUT as an integrity management tool, there were no prior studies completed that provide clear benchmarks of performance. There are many limitations to application of GWUT that vary depending on the system, the network configuration (tube geometry, coating, obstacles), and the frequencies and wave modes used. These limitations include the minimum and maximum detection distances, dead zones and other zones specific to each tool. To address this gap in industry knowledge, PRCI has completed a detailed study and comparative analysis of a range of commercially available GWUT technologies in a controlled setting using a test loop to provide a reproducible protocol for the testing program.
Frequency ranges of different guided wave systems included in testing program
The test loop included a number of simulated pipeline features that were introduced in the piping used to construct the loop. There were also different types of coatings included on the test loop piping, and other possible obstructions to GWUT signals during an inspection event (concrete blocks/supports, tees, etc.). The report contains information about simple and more complex verifications that should be made in advance of each inspection to better understand the application of the technology and select the appropriate tool. The report includes recommendations on setting up a service provider qualification process before any specific application is made to increase the reliability of the results after an inspection, and developing guidance specifying how to use the tools and the interpretation criteria to be applied for each inspection completed using GWUT.
PRCI expects the issue of a Final Report in the second quarter of 2013. PRCI Members can view the draft final report on PRIME.