Long Term Monitoring of Cased Pipelines Using Long-Range Guided-Wave Technique

Main Objective

The proposed project will validate the effectiveness of the magnetostrictive sensor (MsS)-based guided-wave technique for long-term structural health monitoring (SHM) of "cased lines" at road crossings for External Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA) and Internal Corrosion Direct Assessment (ICDA). The technical objectives of the proposed work are:
(1) To develop the capability of defect characterization and long-term condition monitoring of the cased-section of pipelines at road crossings using the long-range guided-wave inspection, and
(2) To evaluate and validate the capability in the field.

Public Abstract

Long-range guided-wave inspection is an emerging technology for direct examination of piping for internal and external corrosion defects. Because of its long-range inspection capability, the technology is particularly useful for inspecting inaccessible areas from a remote accessible position. The gas utilities recognize this technology as an important tool for ECDA and ICDA applications, particularly for the inaccessible length of cased lines. Unlike other guided-wave inspection techniques, the proposed technology is unique because the permanently-installed MagnetoStrictive Sensor (MsS) permits testing of cased section of pipelines over time and without costly preparation. With a capability to both monitor activity over time and characterize the defects, the technology would provide accurate tracking of defect growth with time and could, therefore, give operators more specific information to address inspection indications. The objectives of the proposed work are to: 1) enable defect characterization from guided-wave MsS signals, and, 2) to improve the effectiveness of the long-range guided-wave inspection in DA applications. If the program targets are met, the technology will be fully validated and will be ready for commercialization by the end of the proposed 24-month project period.