Thu, November 09, 2017
Runtime: 59 min - Click here to view webinar.
Date: Thursday, November 9, 2017 Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
Presenter: Chantz Denowh, Stress Engineering Services, Inc. Project Team Leader: Munendra Tomar, Kinder Morgan PRCI Project Manager: Sean Black
Branch connections in transmission pipelines have been documented to fail at the connection to the header pipe due to loadings typically attributed to inadequate support. No industry accepted or commercially available method currently exists to assist operators in identifying this integrity threat in a measurably-reliable way. One potential method of identifying at risk branch connections is to correlate applied strains to changes in magnetic properties by using low field magnetic flux leakage (LF-MFL) in-line inspection (ILI) tools. The characterization of strains based on the magnetic response will allow operators to prioritize at-risk connections for mitigation, reduce overall costs, and provide valuable information for integrity management programs.
The purpose of this project was to lay the groundwork for the LF-MFL tool calibration and validation by evaluating the ability of LF-MFL ILI technology to characterize loading conditions around branch connections under simulated loading. An LF-MFL tool was pulled through a carrier pipe and branch connection while varying loads were applied to the branch in both in-plane and out-of-plane directions. Strains recorded on the branch and carrier pipe were compared to the tool’s LF-MFL and caliper readings.
Overall, this project demonstrated that an LF-MFL ILI can identify strained regions around branch connections, and would benefit from further calibration of the tool’s magnetic response.
This webinar is a review of the final report that was published by PRCI on October 24th.
Expected Benefits/Learning Outcomes
This effort aimed to evaluate low field magnetic flux leakage (MFL) in-line inspection (ILI) technology for detection of unsupported or stressed branch connections. The objective of this program is to enable the development of an ILI tool to aid operators in identifying potential problem branch locations. This tool would allow operators to prioritize branch connections for mitigation, reducing the overall cost to the operator.
Who Should Attend?
Recommended Pre-reading
Final Report: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Low Field MFL Technology in Measuring Loading Conditions at Branch Connections
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