Developing an Inline Pipe Wall Screening Tool for Assessing and Managing Metallic Pipe

摘要

Recent developments in inspection techniques/technologies now make it possible to collect condition data for the entire length of pipeline that can then be evaluated with analytical and engineering techniques to provide a targeted strategy of repair, replacement and management. One specific research and development effort of inline screening technologies began with field trials as part of a 2008 EPA study on innovative condition assessment technologies for water mains. The initial phase of the development of pipe wall assessment (PWA) tools used acoustic pulse technology in qualitative manner to assess the wall strength of a pipeline by determining the change in hoop stiffness over short intervals. On a parallel path, a second PWA technology was developed that measures the change in the self-generated magnetic field produced by ferromagnetic materials in stress. This paper will discuss the development of both technologies.