PRCI Technology Development Center Utilization Update

Monday, August 15, 2016

Author: PRCI

In recent months the PRCI Technology Development Center (TDC) based in Houston, has received numerous joints of line pipe that have been removed from service and which contain a variety of anomalies and defects. Work is underway to fully characterize these samples and prepare them as test articles for ongoing and future investigations of in-ditch NDE methods and ILI tools. This inventory includes pipe with corrosion and crack features, across a range of legacy pipe types and diameters. As our library continues to grow these samples will continue to be baselined so they can be appropriately utilized to validate NDE technologies.

Since December, 2013 a number of technology vendors have utilized the facility for NDE testing. These tests further advance the understanding of their capabilities and in some instances play a necessary role to indicate where additional technology development is called for.

The TDC has also had several PRCI members visit the facility for a brief tour of our samples and to observe any ongoing testing. The TDC has also proven to be an effective training center. With a number of samples on hand covering a wide range of naturally occurring anomalies it is ideal for small groups to work with technology experts as they examine real world samples. This advantage can exponentially decrease the learning time as technicians work to perfect their skills.

Former in-service pipeline samples with surface preparation completed and ready for inspection.