Chapters authored
Use of Guided Wave Thickness Resonance for Monitoring Pipeline Wall Thinning Using an Internal PIG
Experimental data and modelling results for pipeline wall thinning confirm a classification of Guided Wave (GW) propagation and detected features based on signal amplitude. This interpretation leads to a decision on a follow up inspection based on High, Medium or Low priority. The severity of defects must be determined; achievable by examining the signal amplitude as a function of metal loss. Specifically, if resonance can be obtained at a particular frequency, the operator can identify the wall thickness loss through the reflected GW energy amplitude. Previous research presented in this chapter identified a suitable strategy to deploy this thickness resonance technique, starting from dispersion curves (DC) development, to the analysis of the thickness loss effect on the DC, and experiments that prove the effectiveness of the methodology.
Part of the book: Non-Destructive Testing
Mooring Integrity Management: Novel Approaches Towards In Situ Monitoring
The recent dramatic fluctuations in oil and gas prices are forcing operators to look at radically new ways of maintaining the integrity of their structures. Moreover, the life of old structures has to be extended. This includes the replacement of expensive periodic in-service inspections with cost-efficient structural health monitoring (SHM) with permanently installed sensors. Mooring chains for floating offshore installations, typically designed for a 25-year service life, are loaded in fatigue in a seawater environment. There is no industry consensus on failure mechanisms or even defect initiation that mooring chains may incur. Moorings are safety-critical areas, which by their nature are hazardous to inspect. Close visual inspection in the turret is usually too hazardous for divers, yet is not possible with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), because of limited access. Conventional non-destructive techniques (NDTs) are used to carry out inspections of mooring chains in the turret of floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units. Although successful at detecting and assessing the fatigue cracks, the hazardous nature of the operation calls for remote techniques that can be applied continuously to identify damage initiation and progress. Appropriate replacement plans must enhance current strategies by implementing real-time data retrofit.
Part of the book: Structural Health Monitoring