Prepared for Ohio Gas Association
March 26, 2010
March 3, 2010
Russell NDE Systems Inc., Edmonton, Alberta
Slides:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Understanding the Technology. History. Features of RFT. Customized I.L.I. Tools for lined Pipe Applications. Example 1: Epoxy Lined Pipe Example 2: HDPE Lined Pipe Example 3: Concrete Lined Pipe
2
Introductions
CONFIDENTIAL
Background
Russell NDE was incorporated in 1972, and started as a weld inspection company. As its technological capabilities expanded, it became a general purpose NDT company. Formed own R&D group in mid 80s, to offer solutions were none existed. Turned into a specialized inspection company, selling expert NDT equipment & services. Currently, a world Leader in RFT (Remote Field Testing).
CONFIDENTIAL
How does RFT work?
RFT (or RFEC) is an ELECTRO-MAGNETIC method An Exciter coil generates a low frequency sine wave. The Electromagnetic energy travels through the pipe wall near the Exciter. The excitation field generates eddy currents in the pipe wall which spread out from the exciter.
How it works Contd
At a distance of 2-3 pipe diameters the magnetic field due to the eddy currents in the pipe wall are stronger than the internal field. This Remote Field energy can be measured and used for condition assessment.
External energy coupling
Pipe
Internal (direct) energy coupling
Exciter
Detector
Basic RFT Probe
Always 2 coils min: Exciter and Detector Pitch-Catch
Example RFT Data
Permeability Variation Flat
Circ
CONFIDENTIAL
The first RFT tools (1951-1961)
RFT is recognized by codes and standards:
A.S.T.M.
Standard Practice E2096.05* A.S.M.E. Section V* A.S.N.T., TC-1A training and qualifications for RFT operators
*Note: these codes are for inspection of small diameter tubing using RFT
Used
in many pipe and tube inspection applications:
Heat
Exchangers and Boilers Water and waste water mains Oil and Gas pipes and wells
Features of RFT
Measures
I.D. and O.D. wall loss equally well. Relatively lift-off insensitive. Can measure through coatings, liners or scale. Differentiates thickness increase from wall loss. Mechanically extremely rugged. RFT measures (in addition to wall loss) Electrical conductivity Magnetic permeability Stress Metallic objects nearby
Tools often are customized for a specific application.
Waterline tools See Snake Tools Large Diameter tools I-Pit and E-pit tools Specialized tools
Lined Pipe: Challenges
Liners are often thick. Pipe IDs tend to be unusual (not standard schedules). IDs are variable along length (sections of unlined pipe). The liner may be sensitive to damage. Valves, tees and other pipeline features will be standard size. Special launch and retrieve facilities to adapt to liner diameters. Longer continued lengths. Unpiggable Lines
Solution: See Snake tools
Self contained RFT tools. Battery powered with on board data storage. On-board odometer for distance tracking. Clock position sensors Wireless Connection Above Ground Locators
See Snake Tool Overview
Typical Procedure
Identification of lines of interest. Equipment Preparation/Calibration. Line preparations to meet inspection requirements: e.g. installation of launch and receive barrels, possible ID adapters to smoothen transition to lined pipes. Gauge pig runs to confirm ID clearance. Tool launch using product (Flow control through pumps). Tool tracking to ensure optimal inspection velocity. Tool Retrieval and data download Analysis & Reporting Verification Repair/Replacement Decisions.
Application Example 1
6-inch Steel Pipe Epoxy lined. Approx. 25 years old. Encapsulated in Yellow Jacket. Over 2km long Elbows (up to 90)
Example Calibration Data
Calibration Defects
Launch and Receive Setups
Launch Setup
Receive Setup
Data Analysis
Major Wall Loss Indications showing 95% deep local Pit
Verification Dig
Dig Sheet
Dig Excavation Site Facing West
Dig Excavation Site Facing East
Verification: nearly 100% through
Down Strea m
Ultrasonic
Damage to external jacket.
Visual
X-ray
Application Example 2
8-inch Steel Pipe HDPE lined with longitudinal Grooves Approx. 5 years old. External concrete jacket. Four segments, up to 5km long. Transporting Gas.
4 Legs: 16.5km total
Tool Calibration
Tool Deployment
Reporting
No Major Wall Loss Detected. Lines are in good condition. No immediate threat to surroundings.
Findings backed by selected digs
Application Example 3
12-inch line Force Main Cement lined. Approx. 40 years old. Encapsulated in concrete. Environmentally Sensitive.
12-inch CL Force Main
Calibration
Brass Fitting
}
Restrained Coupling.
Short Section of Ductile iron pipe
Cal Defects Severe Natural Pit Multiple Pitting Indications
B&S Joint
Severe WallLoss Indications
Report
Section under waterway is in good condition On-shore pipe shows localized wall loss. Presence of wall loss was confirmed through visual inspection. Corrosion possibly related to tidal movement.
See Snake tools Major features
Completely Self Contained Inspection Tools Measures through internal liners High accuracy multi-channel tools Inspect long lengths with multiple bends Wireless interface. Optional: IMU for measuring pipe geometry. Measures defect clock position. Pressure sealed up to 1000psi.
