INSPECT YOUR PRIMARY PROCESS SMALL BORE PIPING THE RIGHT WAY, USING PROFILE RADIOGRAPHY

摘要

Small Bore Piping (SBP), defined as pipe or piping components that are less than or equal to nominal pipe size (NPS) of 2", is a major element of every mechanical integrity (MI) program. This category of equipment includes a majority of plant process piping and ancillary systems, including many critical piping systems that are fabricated with SBP, such as, level bridles, flow control loops, pressure and temperature indicating systems, and bypass and pressure relief systems. Despite numerous industry publications, recommended practices, and inspection codes recommending Profile Radiography (PRT) as the preferred method of inspection for pipe diameters of NPS 1" and smaller, equipment owners continue to utilize digital ultrasonic thickness gauging, which is often unreliable.