NDE methods used in optimum maintenance programmes for oil and gas pipelines

摘要

The use of the NDE methods in preventive and predictive maintenance programmes for oil and gas pipelines, pressure vessels and the like is still not very extensively adopted in the industry, despite the fact that at least 85 NDE methods are available and even though some industries have already achieved considerable reductions in maintenance costs and production losses by using such programmes. This paper deals briefly with the background, focusing on the basic principles for the predictive programmes and revealing some experience with a 20 year-old predictive scheme for corrosion monitoring operated at a refinery.