The Experts below are selected from a list of 4389 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Xianglin Zhan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Research on automatic flaw detection of pipeline Girth Weld by ultrasonic phased array system
2009 International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation, 2009Co-Authors: Xianglin Zhan, Dexin Zhou, Shili ChenAbstract:An automatic ultrasonic phased array inspection system used for nondestructive testing (NDT) of pipeline Girth Weld is developed. The linear phased array transducer is optimized by numerical analysis based on a mathematical model. Then hardware and software designs of the system are presented, realizing dynamically focusing in the detection area. A series of technological difficulties are solved. Finally, an automatic flaw detection testing platform on pipeline Girth Weld is set up. Experimental results illustrate the transducer optimum design improves system performance and the system has good capabilities of ultrasonic transmitting and echo synthesis, greatly improving testing flexibility and testing speed whereas reducing the system's volume and weight. It can be extended to inspect an object with rough surface or irregular structure in industrial NDT field.
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Signal Analysis Method for Automatic Flaw Classification on Pipeline Girth Weld Inspection by Ultrasonic Phased Array System
2009 2nd International Congress on Image and Signal Processing, 2009Co-Authors: Xianglin ZhanAbstract:Presently, flaw classification of ultrasonic phased array systems is completely manual. It is dependent on the operator's testing experiences and errors are very easily introduced. In this article, "energy-status" method based on wavelet packet transform, having time-frequency signal analysis character, is applied to achieve ultrasonic echo signals' feature. Then, a feature library is built. Distribution regularity of the energies in the decomposed frequency bands is researched. In virtue of the following neural network and ISODATA dynamic cluster pattern recognition algorithms, automatic defect recognition is realized. Experiment is implemented on a flaw testing pipeline Girth Weld block with four common defects in it. Data collected by the ultrasonic phased array system prove the efficiency of the method.
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an automatic flaw identification method for defect inspection of pipeline Girth Weld
2008 7th International Pipeline Conference Volume 3, 2008Co-Authors: Jian Li, Xianglin Zhan, Shili Chen, Jingchang Zhuge, Likun Wang, Pengchao ChenAbstract:Various types of defect may be formed in Girth Welds of long-distance pipeline in the process of Welding. They are hidden dangers to pipeline transportation safety. Currently, ultrasonic phased array instrument is commonly adopted for quick automatic positioning and quantitative analysis of flaws in the Girth Weld after Welding. But as for qualitative analysis – flaw classification, traditional manual identification method is still used. By traditional method, human-made error is easily introduced and classification result is depended on the detection experiences of the inspecting person. To overcome these deficiencies, a new method combined second generation wavelet transform (SGWT) with Radial Basis Function neural network (RBFN) is proposed in this paper, realizing automatic flaw classification and reducing human factors impaction. SGWT is ideally matched local characteristics of the flaw signal, improving both the computational speed and flaw classification efficiency. Then, based on the “energy-status” feature extraction method and the above SGWT analysis, feature eigenvectors of the flaw signals are extracted, training the following RBFN. And then when the feature of any flaw is extracted, it can be recognized by the network. The output of the network is the type of the input flaw signal, realizing automatic flaw classification. Finally, an ultrasonic phased array inspection system is described. The system is integrated with automatic flaw detection and classification. Experiments are tested on a long-distance pipeline Girth Weld block with artificial defects in it. The results validate that the proposed method is efficient, which is helpful to increasing inspection speed and reliability of flaw inspection for long-distance pipeline Girth Welds.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
David Horsley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Attributes of Modern Linepipes and Their Implications on Girth Weld Strain Capacity
Volume 3: Operations Monitoring and Maintenance; Materials and Joining, 2018Co-Authors: Yong-yi Wang, David Horsley, Steve Rapp, David J. Warman, Jim GianettoAbstract:There has been a number of unexpected Girth Weld failures in newly constructed pipelines. Girth Weld failures have also been observed in pre-service hydrostatic testing. Post-incident investigations indicated that the pipes met the requirements of industry standards, such as API 5L. The Welds were qualified per accepted industry standards, such as API 1104. The field Girth Welding was performed, inspected, and accepted per industry standards, such as API 1104. Some of the traditional causes of Girth Weld failures, such as hydrogen cracks and high-low misalignment, were not a factor in these incidents. This paper starts with a review of the recent Girth Weld incidents. A few key features of a failed Weld and their implications are examined. The characteristics of the recent failures is summarized, and the major contributing factors known to date are given. Some of the options to prevent future failures include (1) changes to the tensile properties of the pipes and enhanced hardenability, (2) Welding options aimed at increasing the Weld strength and minimizing heat-affected zone (HAZ) softening, and (3) reduction of stresses on Girth Welds. This paper focuses on the first two options. The trends of chemical composition and tensile properties of linepipe are reviewed. The potential contribution of these trends to the Girth Weld incidents is examined. Possible changes to the linepipe properties and necessary updates in the testing and qualification requirements of the linepipes are provided. Welding options beneficial to enhanced Girth Weld strain capacity are discussed. Possible revisions to Welding procedure qualification requirements, aimed at achieving a minimum level of strain tolerance/capacity, are proposed. The application of previously developed tools in estimating the propensity of HAZ softening is reviewed.
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broad perspectives of Girth Weld tensile strain response
2010 8th International Pipeline Conference Volume 4, 2010Co-Authors: Yong-yi Wang, Timothy S Weeks, Mark D Richards, David Mccolskey, David HorsleyAbstract:Tensile strain capacity (TSC) is a critical component of the strain-based design of pipelines. TSC is affected by a number of material parameters, such as the strain hardening rate, Weld strength mismatch, and toughness. Girth Weld high-low misalignment, internal pressure, and flaw size are additional influential parameters. The impact of those parameters can be rationalized by fracture mechanics principles and is supported by an increasingly large library of experimental test data. A number of predictive TSC models are under development. One of the most significant challenges in the development of these models is the scatter of experimental test data. As more test data are collected with specially arranged precision instrumentation, it is become apparent that the scatter of test data is a matter of true material response. It is, therefore, critical to see beyond the scatter and understand the overall material behavior in the development and validation of TSC models. This paper highlights the material behavior observed in a large number of large-scale experimental tests. The material response is then classified into different categories to assist the understanding of the experimental data scatter and rationalize the trends expected from test data.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
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a tiered approach to Girth Weld defect acceptance criteria for stress based design of pipelines
Volume 3: Materials and Joining; Pipeline Automation and Measurement; Risk and Reliability Parts A and B, 2006Co-Authors: Yong-yi Wang, David Horsley, Gery BaumanAbstract:Alternative Girth Weld defect acceptance criteria implemented in major international codes and standards vary significantly. The requirements for Welding procedure qualification and the allowable defect size are often very different among the codes and standards. The assessment procedures in some of the codes and standards are more adaptive to modern micro-alloyed TMCP steels, while others are much less so as they are empirical correlations of test data available at the time of the standards creation. A major effort funded jointly by the US Department of Transportation and PRCI has produced a comprehensive update to the Girth Weld defect acceptance criteria. The newly proposed procedures have two options. Option 1 is given in an easy-to-use graphical format. The determination of allowable flaw size is extremely simple. Option 2 provides more flexibility and generally allows larger flaws than Option 1, at the expense of more complex computations. Option 1 also has higher fracture toughness requirements than Option 2, as it is built on the concept of plastic collapse. In comparison to some existing codes and standards, the new procedures (1) provide more consistent level of conservatism, (2) include both plastic collapse and fracture criteria, and (3) give necessary considerations to the most frequently occurring defects in modern pipeline constructions. This paper provides an overview of the technical basis of the new procedures and validation against experimental test data.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
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Development of a FAD-Based Girth Weld ECA Procedure: Part II — Experimental Verification
4th International Pipeline Conference Parts A and B, 2002Co-Authors: Yong-yi Wang, David L. Rudland, David HorsleyAbstract:An ECA procedure specifically tailored to pipeline Girth Welds is developed under a PRCI (Pipeline Research Council International) funded project. This procedure of FAD (Failure Assessment Diagram) format incorporates some of the most recent developments in crack driving force, plastic collapse, and effects of Weld strength mismatch match. The theoretical framework of this procedure is given in a companion paper. This paper focuses on the experimental verification of the procedure. Some particular issues related to Girth Weld ECA are discussed first. The experimental database includes both full-scale and wide plate test results. Most of the full-scale data are from pipes of API Grade X70 (483 MPa); a few were X65 (448 MPa) and X60 (414 MPa) grades. The diameter of the pipes ranged from 20 inch (508 mm) to 42 inch (1067 mm). The wide plate test data are taken from a PRCI project performed at the University of Gent. The plates were cut from an X60 36-inch OD 11.6-mm pipe. Surface-breaking defects were artificially introduced from the root side of the Girth Welds. The plates were loaded to failure in tension after the defects were fatigue pre-cracked. The Girth Welds had a range of yield stress levels ranging from 20% undermatching to 24% overmatching. In almost all the cases, the newly developed procedure proved conservative as compared to the experimental data. The comparison with the wide plate tests was particularly interesting with its wide range of Weld strength mismatch levels. It was demonstrated that the inclusion of the Weld strength mismatch in the new procedure improves the consistency and the accuracy of the predictions. It also showed that non-conservative predictions might result if the undermatching Welds are not properly accounted for.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
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development of a fad based Girth Weld eca procedure part i theoretical framework
4th International Pipeline Conference Parts A and B, 2002Co-Authors: Yong-yi Wang, David L. Rudland, David HorsleyAbstract:Beginning in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, “alternative defect acceptance criteria” were adopted in various codes and standards in the pipeline industry. These criteria relate the tolerable defect sizes with the magnitude of loads and materials’ resistance to failure. They allow engineers to assess the suitability of the pipes containing defects for intended service conditions, or fitness-for-service. Assessments based on the fitness-for-service principles are often referred to as Engineering Critical Assessment, or ECA. Although most of these codes are based on fracture mechanics principles, the defect tolerance levels vary significantly from code to code. This paper describes a two-year effort funded by PRCI (Pipeline Research Council International) to develop an ECA procedure specifically tailored to pipeline Girth Welds. The newly developed procedure is in FAD (failure assessment diagram) format. The key features of this procedure are provided in this paper. Based on prior research and extensive experimental data analysis, a modified Miller plastic collapse solution was selected for its rigorous formulation and good agreement with full-scale test results. The effects of Weld strength mismatch on plastic collapse load (limit load) were examined and validated through finite element (FE) analysis. Parametric formulae of mismatch correction factors to the plastic collapse solution were adopted. The stress intensity factor solutions of finite-length surface-breaking defects in Girth Welds were developed and validated. Failure assessment curves (FACs) for Girth Weld defects were generated. These curves incorporated the effects of material’s strain hardening rate and defect size. They are more accurate than some of the generic material and defect independent FACs, yet easy to use.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Yong-yi Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Attributes of Modern Linepipes and Their Implications on Girth Weld Strain Capacity
Volume 3: Operations Monitoring and Maintenance; Materials and Joining, 2018Co-Authors: Yong-yi Wang, David Horsley, Steve Rapp, David J. Warman, Jim GianettoAbstract:There has been a number of unexpected Girth Weld failures in newly constructed pipelines. Girth Weld failures have also been observed in pre-service hydrostatic testing. Post-incident investigations indicated that the pipes met the requirements of industry standards, such as API 5L. The Welds were qualified per accepted industry standards, such as API 1104. The field Girth Welding was performed, inspected, and accepted per industry standards, such as API 1104. Some of the traditional causes of Girth Weld failures, such as hydrogen cracks and high-low misalignment, were not a factor in these incidents. This paper starts with a review of the recent Girth Weld incidents. A few key features of a failed Weld and their implications are examined. The characteristics of the recent failures is summarized, and the major contributing factors known to date are given. Some of the options to prevent future failures include (1) changes to the tensile properties of the pipes and enhanced hardenability, (2) Welding options aimed at increasing the Weld strength and minimizing heat-affected zone (HAZ) softening, and (3) reduction of stresses on Girth Welds. This paper focuses on the first two options. The trends of chemical composition and tensile properties of linepipe are reviewed. The potential contribution of these trends to the Girth Weld incidents is examined. Possible changes to the linepipe properties and necessary updates in the testing and qualification requirements of the linepipes are provided. Welding options beneficial to enhanced Girth Weld strain capacity are discussed. Possible revisions to Welding procedure qualification requirements, aimed at achieving a minimum level of strain tolerance/capacity, are proposed. The application of previously developed tools in estimating the propensity of HAZ softening is reviewed.
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Effects of High-Low Misalignment on Girth Weld Integrity
Volume 3: Materials and Joining; Risk and Reliability, 2014Co-Authors: Yong-yi Wang, Kunal Kotian, Steve RappAbstract:High levels of high-low misalignment in pipeline Girth Welds have been identified as one of the possible contributing factors to some of the recent pre-service hydrostatic test failures or subsequent service failures. However, pipeline service experience indicates that nominally defect-free Girth Welds with high levels of misalignment and proper Weld profiles can provide satisfactory long-term service. In this paper, recent analytical and experimental work aimed at understanding the impact of high-low misalignment in Girth Welds is described. In nominally defect-free Welds, the performance of the Welds is found to be predominantly determined by the misalignment ratio, Weld strength mismatch ratio, and the Weld profile. Iso-load-capacity relations are developed through finite element analysis (FEA) to capture the interdependence of those key parameters. The analysis procedure is validated by cross-Weld tensile testing of Girth Welds with various levels of misalignment and Weld strength mismatch. The effects of the circumferential extent of misalignment, alternatively termed local misalignment, are also analyzed. The effects of misalignment in Girth Weld with planar flaws are examined in the context of the tensile strain capacity.The analytical and experimental evidence indicate that the absolute level of misalignment is not a sole indicator of Girth Weld performance. Weld transition profile, pipe wall thickness, and Weld strength mismatch all play an important role. With proper Weld profiles, minimal or small reduction of load capacity is observed even at very high levels of misalignment. Work is continuing to further examine the effects of high-low misalignment with a goal of making practical recommendations to be included in codes and standards.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
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Considerations of Linepipe and Girth Weld Tensile Properties for Strain-Based Design of Pipelines
2010 8th International Pipeline Conference Volume 4, 2010Co-Authors: Yong-yi Wang, James A. Gianetto, Bill TysonAbstract:Pipelines in certain regions are expected to survive high longitudinal strains induced by seismic activities, slope instability, frost heave, and mine subsidence. Material properties, of both pipes and Girth Welds, are critical contributing factors to a pipeline’s strain capacity. These factors are examined in this paper with particular focus on the modern high strength pipes (grade X70 and above) usually made from microalloyed control-rolled TMCP steels. The examination of the tensile properties of pipes includes some of the most basic parameters such as yield strength, strength variation within a pipe, and newly emerging issues of strength and strain hardening dependence on temperature. The Girth Weld tensile properties, particularly yield strength, are shown to be dependent on the location of the test specimen. There are strong indications from the tested Welds that strain hardening of the Welds is dependent on test temperature. The effects of strain aging on pipe and Girth Weld properties are reviewed. This line of reasoning is extended to possible strain aging effects during field construction, although experimental evidence is lacking at this moment. The paper concludes with considerations of practical implementation of the findings presented in the early part of the paper. Recommendations are made to effectively deal with some of the challenging issues related to the specification and measurement of tensile properties for strain-based design.Copyright © 2010 by ASME and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada
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broad perspectives of Girth Weld tensile strain response
2010 8th International Pipeline Conference Volume 4, 2010Co-Authors: Yong-yi Wang, Timothy S Weeks, Mark D Richards, David Mccolskey, David HorsleyAbstract:Tensile strain capacity (TSC) is a critical component of the strain-based design of pipelines. TSC is affected by a number of material parameters, such as the strain hardening rate, Weld strength mismatch, and toughness. Girth Weld high-low misalignment, internal pressure, and flaw size are additional influential parameters. The impact of those parameters can be rationalized by fracture mechanics principles and is supported by an increasingly large library of experimental test data. A number of predictive TSC models are under development. One of the most significant challenges in the development of these models is the scatter of experimental test data. As more test data are collected with specially arranged precision instrumentation, it is become apparent that the scatter of test data is a matter of true material response. It is, therefore, critical to see beyond the scatter and understand the overall material behavior in the development and validation of TSC models. This paper highlights the material behavior observed in a large number of large-scale experimental tests. The material response is then classified into different categories to assist the understanding of the experimental data scatter and rationalize the trends expected from test data.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
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a tiered approach to Girth Weld defect acceptance criteria for stress based design of pipelines
Volume 3: Materials and Joining; Pipeline Automation and Measurement; Risk and Reliability Parts A and B, 2006Co-Authors: Yong-yi Wang, David Horsley, Gery BaumanAbstract:Alternative Girth Weld defect acceptance criteria implemented in major international codes and standards vary significantly. The requirements for Welding procedure qualification and the allowable defect size are often very different among the codes and standards. The assessment procedures in some of the codes and standards are more adaptive to modern micro-alloyed TMCP steels, while others are much less so as they are empirical correlations of test data available at the time of the standards creation. A major effort funded jointly by the US Department of Transportation and PRCI has produced a comprehensive update to the Girth Weld defect acceptance criteria. The newly proposed procedures have two options. Option 1 is given in an easy-to-use graphical format. The determination of allowable flaw size is extremely simple. Option 2 provides more flexibility and generally allows larger flaws than Option 1, at the expense of more complex computations. Option 1 also has higher fracture toughness requirements than Option 2, as it is built on the concept of plastic collapse. In comparison to some existing codes and standards, the new procedures (1) provide more consistent level of conservatism, (2) include both plastic collapse and fracture criteria, and (3) give necessary considerations to the most frequently occurring defects in modern pipeline constructions. This paper provides an overview of the technical basis of the new procedures and validation against experimental test data.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Shili Chen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Research on automatic flaw detection of pipeline Girth Weld by ultrasonic phased array system
2009 International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation, 2009Co-Authors: Xianglin Zhan, Dexin Zhou, Shili ChenAbstract:An automatic ultrasonic phased array inspection system used for nondestructive testing (NDT) of pipeline Girth Weld is developed. The linear phased array transducer is optimized by numerical analysis based on a mathematical model. Then hardware and software designs of the system are presented, realizing dynamically focusing in the detection area. A series of technological difficulties are solved. Finally, an automatic flaw detection testing platform on pipeline Girth Weld is set up. Experimental results illustrate the transducer optimum design improves system performance and the system has good capabilities of ultrasonic transmitting and echo synthesis, greatly improving testing flexibility and testing speed whereas reducing the system's volume and weight. It can be extended to inspect an object with rough surface or irregular structure in industrial NDT field.
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an automatic flaw identification method for defect inspection of pipeline Girth Weld
2008 7th International Pipeline Conference Volume 3, 2008Co-Authors: Jian Li, Xianglin Zhan, Shili Chen, Jingchang Zhuge, Likun Wang, Pengchao ChenAbstract:Various types of defect may be formed in Girth Welds of long-distance pipeline in the process of Welding. They are hidden dangers to pipeline transportation safety. Currently, ultrasonic phased array instrument is commonly adopted for quick automatic positioning and quantitative analysis of flaws in the Girth Weld after Welding. But as for qualitative analysis – flaw classification, traditional manual identification method is still used. By traditional method, human-made error is easily introduced and classification result is depended on the detection experiences of the inspecting person. To overcome these deficiencies, a new method combined second generation wavelet transform (SGWT) with Radial Basis Function neural network (RBFN) is proposed in this paper, realizing automatic flaw classification and reducing human factors impaction. SGWT is ideally matched local characteristics of the flaw signal, improving both the computational speed and flaw classification efficiency. Then, based on the “energy-status” feature extraction method and the above SGWT analysis, feature eigenvectors of the flaw signals are extracted, training the following RBFN. And then when the feature of any flaw is extracted, it can be recognized by the network. The output of the network is the type of the input flaw signal, realizing automatic flaw classification. Finally, an ultrasonic phased array inspection system is described. The system is integrated with automatic flaw detection and classification. Experiments are tested on a long-distance pipeline Girth Weld block with artificial defects in it. The results validate that the proposed method is efficient, which is helpful to increasing inspection speed and reliability of flaw inspection for long-distance pipeline Girth Welds.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Michael Moles - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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improved focusing for thick wall pipeline Girth Weld inspections using phased arrays ndt in oil gas industries
Insight, 2005Co-Authors: Michael Moles, S Labbe, J ZhangAbstract:Since Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) became a standard procedure for assessing pipeline Girth Weld defects, sizing has become a major issue. Despite claims and requests for better sizing, most pipeline trials have shown that sizing accuracies are only within about I mm at best in the vertical (through-wall) direction, and typically worse in the horizontal (circumferential) plane due to beam spread. Defect sizing requirements are becoming more stringent as new high-strength pipes and new applications are being introduced. This applies especially to thick-walled offshore pipelines, particularly tendons and risers, where fatigue life is critical. This project has developed a curved 1.5D matrix array, primarily for improving focusing in the horizontal direction on thick-walled risers and tendons. Initially, the focusing was modelled for a variety of arrays, including the standard flat array. Modelling showed the optimum array to be 120 elements long, with three rows, with a slight curvature for initial focusing. Detailed focusing can be performed using the electronic capability of phased arrays. Normal unfocused Pipe WIZARD phased arrays use 60-element arrays on either side of the Weld; in contrast, the new array uses 360 elements for one-side only inspection. The results from this array were compared with the standard unfocused 1D array on a typical calibration block; significant improvements were obtained.
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special phased array applications for pipeline Girth Weld inspections
2004 International Pipeline Conference Volumes 1 2 and 3, 2004Co-Authors: Michael Moles, Noe L Dube, S LabbeAbstract:Ultrasonic phased arrays present major improvements over conventional multiprobe ultrasonics for inspecting pipeline Girth Welds, both for onshore and for offshore use. Probe pans are lighter and smaller, permitting less cutback; scans are quicker due to the smaller probe pan; phased arrays are considerably more flexible for changes in pipe dimensions or Weld profiles, and for different scan patterns. More important, some of the potential advantages of phased arrays are now becoming commercially available. These include: compensating for variations in seamless pipe wall thickness; wedge temperature compensation; premium inspections for risers, tendons and other components; small diameter pipes; multiple displays; clad pipe; portable phased arrays for tie-ins and repairs; improved sizing approaches. The paper will describe the latest phased array UT results for special applications.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
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pipeline Girth Weld inspections using ultrasonic phased arrays
Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation for Material Science and Industries, 2003Co-Authors: Michael Moles, Noe L Dube, Edward GinzelAbstract:Automated ultrasonics (AUT) is rapidly replacing radiography worldwide for gas pipeline Girth Weld inspections. Compared with radiography, mechanized ultrasonics is more reliable, faster, has better detection of critical Lack of Fusion defects, and poses no safety hazard. Phased arrays are the latest development in AUT, and present major improvements over conventional multiprobe ultrasonics. Phased array probe pans are lighter and smaller; scans are quicker due to the smaller probe pan; phased arrays are considerably more flexible for changes in pipe dimensions or Weld profiles, and for different scan patterns for unusual defects; special scans can be made for specific problems. This paper describes the PipeWIZARD ultrasonic phased array system for Girth Weld inspections, based on the ASTM E-1961 code and compatible with API 1104 19 th Edition. Some comments on AUT codes will be made. The paper will describe the latest phased array UT results, plus developments like automated set-ups and improved imaging using an increased number of zones. PipeWIZARD’s track record and capabilities will be illustrated.
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pipeline Girth Weld inspections using ultrasonic phased arrays
4th International Pipeline Conference Parts A and B, 2002Co-Authors: Michael Moles, Noe L Dube, Edward GinzelAbstract:Mechanized ultrasonics is rapidly replacing radiography worldwide for gas pipeline Girth Weld inspections. Compared with radiography, mechanized ultrasonics is more reliable, faster, has better detectability for critical Lack of Fusion defects, and poses no safety hazard. Phased arrays present major improvements over conventional multiprobe ultrasonics, both for onshore and for offshore use. Probe pans are lighter and smaller, permitting less cutback; scans are quicker due to the smaller probe pan; phased arrays are considerably more flexible for changes in pipe dimensions or Weld profiles, and for different scan patterns; phased arrays have great potential for the future, such as compensating for variations in pipe wall thickness or temperature. This paper describes the evaluation of the PipeWIZARD ultrasonic phased array system for Girth Weld inspections, using standard ASTM E-1961 Mechanized Ultrasonics set-ups. Some typical results will be shown. The paper will describe the latest phased array UT results, plus developments like automated set-ups and improved imaging using an increased number of zones. A brief comparison of E-1961 and the recent API 1104 19th Edition codes will be made, plus a summary of approvals and track record to date.© 2002 ASME
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phased arrays for pipeline Girth Weld inspections
Insight, 2002Co-Authors: Michael Moles, Edward Ginzel, N DubeAbstract:Ultrasonic phased arrays offer significant advantages over radiography for pipeline Weld inspections: they have higher detection rates for critical planar defects (i.e. cracks and lack of fusion), better defined interpretation, vertical sizing capability for Engineering Critical Assessment, no safety hazards, no licensing issues, no chemical wastes, and no requirement to evacuate the area. Phased arrays also offer major advantages over multiprobe systems and manual ultrasonics. Initially, this paper describes the standard zone discrimination inspection of pipeline Welds. Then the Olympus NDT PipeWIZARD phased array system for large pipelines is described, plus some of its advantages. As phased arrays are very good for special applications, this paper will briefly show some of the key applications, like seamless piping, cladding, premium inspections and improved focusing. In addition, the paper will present a portable phased array system –suitable for repairs, tie-ins and difficult to access areas.