NON-INTRUSIVE FRP INSPECTION FOR AVOIDING PREMATURE ASSET RETIREMENT

摘要

A novel inspection technique for Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) that aligns with the systematic approaches and consensus API codes for evaluating steel piping and vessels was discussed in an article I published in the May/June 2017 issue of Inspectioneering Journal[3]. The technique obtains non-destructive ultrasound readings from the outer surface of the FRP. This article provides a case study of an actual inspection and evaluation of an FRP column. The client used a retired asset so that the non-destructive and non-intrusive results could be verified by destructive testing.