Pipeline Condition Assessment Using Non-Destructive Testing Methods

摘要

In their early years, non-destructive testing (NDT) societies were mostly composed of medical X-ray technicians. Since the term "destructive," even when preceded by "non," does not initiate a general sense of comfort to a medical patient, NDT is now dominated by the material sciences. In order to be considered a truly non-destructive technique, the method of inspection should neither impair an asset's future usefulness or structural integrity. Ideally, the method would also have little impact to the typical operation of the asset to be inspected. NDT, as it relates to pre-stressed concrete cylindrical pipe (PCCP), was primarily limited to visual and sounding inspections but in the past decade, technological advances have increased the applicability of NDT inspection methods for pipeline infrastructure. Through the implementation of a proactive condition assessment and subsequent program to address deteriorated pipelines, owners and operators are able to identify short-term repair needs, plan for long-term improvements, and ultimately optimize the pipeline asset's useful life.