In-service inspection of above-ground pipelines using automatic guided-wave control systems

摘要

This paper illustrates the Italian Welding Institute's most significant experiences from applying the guided wave technique for pipe inspection over a five year period. Continual uses of this technique, along with its testing in increasingly different situations, have highlighted not only the potential of this method, but also the limitations in particular cases. Each specific situation requires the development of a dedicated inspection strategy, which must envisage not only guided wave inspection, but also the targeted use of detailed diagnostic techniques supplementary to this.