Corrosion Mapping
The ability to ultrasonically display a plan and cross sectional view of the internal structure of a component. By automating ultrasonic straight beam examination and collection; data on corrosion, erosion, pitting, laminations, voids, and basic wall thickness can be collected simultaneously. By imaging this data, accurate measurements of size and extent can be conducted. This information can be monitored over time to assess safe life time and maintenance.
Thus, Corrosion Mapping can provide the information needed for plant integrity assessment by estimating corrosion rates. Corrosion Mapping uses modern computer and imaging technology to display ultrasonic data so that areas of corrosion / erosion can be identified and measured. This technique is best suited to a requirement for high quality, well documented and easily repeatable inspection. A further advantage of ultrasonic imaging is the fact that these methods can be applied whilst the plant is in operation.
Above: Scan data taken from an actual inspection on a turbine generator steam pipe.The client was interested in finding any areas of erosion resulting in a thickness of less than 12.0mm (shown in orange and red). From this data the client was able to see exactly the pattern and direction of the steam erosion and draw up a plan to replace this section of pipe.
Above: The highlighted area in red shows the area that was inspected by Corrosion Mapping on a oil export pipeline in Qatar.
Above: The scan data showing the pipeline defects in green.From this data the client was able to identify the exact dimensions of the defects which were found to be 45% through wall thickness and assess them against recommendations for safe operation of the pipeline.The decision was made to replace this section of pipe.