Evaluation of pipeline girth welds using low-frequency horizontally polarized waves
The practical implementation of alternative acceptance criteria for pipeline girth welds requires the use of inspection tools capable of determining the principal dimensions and positions of planar flaws. A new ultrasonic inspection method is described that permits complete volumetric inspection of the girth welds. The new system uses noncontacting electromagnetic-acoustic transducers (EMATs) that operate at low ultrasonic frequencies (454 kHz). Theoretical models of the measurements are developed and verified experimentally. In addition, practical performance limits of the new system are established in terms of minimum flaw sizes that can be detected. The results are related to accept-reject curves based on a model of the failure processes. An inspection protocol for field applications is also described.
- Research Organization:
- National Bureau of Standards, Boulder, CO
- OSTI ID:
- 6560695
- Journal Information:
- J. Nondestr. Eval.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Nondestr. Eval.; (United States) Vol. 3:3; ISSN JNOED
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
420205* -- Engineering-- Transport & Storage Facilities-- (1980-)
420500 -- Engineering-- Materials Testing
ACOUSTIC TESTING
DEFECTS
FIELD TESTS
FREQUENCY RANGE
INSPECTION
JOINTS
KHZ RANGE
KHZ RANGE 100-1000
LIMITING VALUES
MATERIALS TESTING
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
PIPELINES
TESTING
TRANSDUCERS
ULTRASONIC TESTING
WELDED JOINTS