Evaluation of Inspection Techniques for Sleeved Crossings

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
National Grid Gas Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 July 2013

01 January 2014

8 months

£183,000

Technical Consultancy

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Gas Transmission

The key objective is to evaluate a number of guided wave ultrasonic inspection techniques for their suitability in use on above ground inspection of sleeved pipe sections. Information gathered on the guided wave ultrasonic systems trialled during this project will allow for an informed evaluation on the use of a non-invasive above ground inspection techniques on sleeved crossings as a complement to Inline Inspections (ILIs); following a review and update of relevant policy.

There is a need for suitable alternatives to the Inline Inspection (ILI) technique to detect metal loss on buried pipeline, particularly above-ground, non-invasive methods fit for purpose for inspecting sleeved crossings. A sleeved section of pipeline is scheduled to be removed from service and replaced with thick wall pipe, in keeping with the latest requirements of procedure IGEM/TD/1 (Steel pipelines for high pressure gas transmission). It was recognized that this provides a valuable opportunity for learning. In order to obtain as much information as possible about the metal loss features and the potential inspection techniques being trialed during this study, a two stage feasibility study and research surrounding the removal of the sleeved section has been scheduled. Stage 1 - Inspection of sleeved pipe section: Four inspection companies will attend the site where pipeline is to be replaced and inspect the sleeved pipe section using above ground techniques prior to removal. The inspection of the pipe length will be performed using three ultrasonic guided wave systems supplied from each of the inspection companies. Stage 2 - Pipeline/Sleeve Removal and Reporting results: Following completion of the onsite inspection work, the orientation and cut locations will be marked onto the sleeve prior to removal. The sleeve and pipe will be taken to the research facility where they will remove the sleeve from the pipe in order to expose the areas of metal loss. These areas will then be recorded and compared to the onsite inspection results.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

14/08/18