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Title: Detection of fouling in coal gasification ducts using acoustic ranging

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7173458
 [1]
  1. Keuring van Elektrotechnische Materialen NV, Arnhem (Netherlands). Technology and Service Div.

Acoustic ranging as a technology for pipe inspection under atmospheric conditions has been applied in the field for some years now. Under contract of the Electric Power Research Institute, the Dutch Electricity Generating Companies and Generating Board (Sep) the potential of this technology for online application in high pressure gasifier plants was investigated. Experiments were performed to test the feasibility of acoustic ranging technology to detect, locate and size deposits in grey water lines and in high-temperature, high pressure gas-filled transfer pipes. Two test loops were constructed. The interaction between pipewall and water medium as well as a strong dependence of the amount of dissolved gas on the sound velocity discourages practical application in water lines. However, under ideal conditions larger obstructions can be detected. Tests conducted in high pressure (up to 40 bar) and high temperature (up to 320[degrees]C) gas pipes have been successful and there appears to be no major problem in using this technique for pipe fouling monitoring in gasifiers. An effective acoustic pulse exciter was developed under the program. Equipment specifications for application in a gasifier transfer pipe are included in this report.

Research Organization:
Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); Keuring van Elektrotechnische Materialen NV, Arnhem (Netherlands). Technology and Service Div.
Sponsoring Organization:
EPRI; Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
OSTI ID:
7173458
Report Number(s):
EPRI-TR-101359
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English