Stainless Steel Inspection with the Help of NDT Techniques- A Case in Point

NDT or nondestructive testing techniques are followed while examining the integrity of stainless steel pipelines. This is critical to assessment of the pipelines. A refinery operator was used for inspecting stainless steel pipelines which was critical to the plant operation. The pipelines had experienced unreasonable temperature cycling due to malfunction of valve within the piping loop. This could be a case study and also a case in point for the examination. This is important individually as well as being a reference point for future cases.

Backdrop

Managing the integrity of assets for plant operators is a difficult task. They have to keep in mind several aspects combining optimum asset performance with operational excellence. They have to remember to reduce costs and also maintain highest safety standard along with environmental standards. To determine the proper approach in achieving this, pipelines owners and operators must integrate and evaluate critical data gathered from different sources like pipeline route, inspections, operations, modifications, repairs, facilities and materials.

Stainless Steel Inspection Singapore is done by applying detailed knowledge of the degradation process of materials and also structural integrity. Generally an inspection is done in various steps. The steps include:

• Planning and selection of apt techniques
• Inspection action
• Evaluation of the inspection conclusion

The first step is important to identify the proper techniques. To begin with, the inspection of thermal cycling is done; operational data regarding the piping loop was evaluated from which the inspectors had detected quite a few damage potentials which may have compromised the integrity of the pipeline and its performance. This was particularly for temperature fluctuations. This fluctuation might have been caused from reduction in robustness and external pitting. It could also have been caused from cracking which resulted from fatigue or external stress.

The Inspection Activities

The inspection activities included:

• Established a schedule for NDT techniques based on flaw morphology and prior experience.
• Devise appropriate calibration pieces assisting NDT techniques to be used
• Use the techniques on a trial basis to finalize them
• Devise written NDT procedures

After the approval of these methods, mobilizing the essential tools was done to carry out NDT in presence of qualified inspector. Post the conduction of testing, reports are published on the results.

ECA was also done to determine the tolerable flaw size and compared against the detected cracks. ECA is founded on fracture mechanics principles to determine how much risk will be posed by the flaw size. ECA constitutes 3 important elements:

• Size of component and flaw
• Geometry
• material properties

All these things are kept in mind while testing the stainless steel pipeline. NDT is followed by the industries nowadays because it is less harmful and also extremely cost-effective. In fact, pipelines are often evaluated based on this technique because the results are accurate. Stainless steel can be evaluated using both the traditional as well as modern techniques. Depending on the company, they use the techniques.

Advanced NDT Inspection Techniques Providing Reliable and Accurate Data

NDT or Nondestructive Testing also known as Nondestructive inspection, is a group of techniques employed in science and technology industry to assess the properties of a component, material or system without causing any harm. It is considered to be a highly valuable method for testing as it does not change the particles of the material being inspected permanently thus, saving both money and time in evaluating products, troubleshooting and researching on them. There are different methods of advanced NDT inspection in Singapore and Malaysia that can be grouped under conventional and advanced. Under the conventional NDT methods ultrasonic, magnetic-particle, liquid penetrant, radiographic, eddy-current testing are included, while in advanced NDT other methods are included which are as follows:

• Computerized Radiography
• Rapid Gear Scan 
• Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
• Time of Flight Diffraction (ToFD)
• Automated and Remote Ultrasonic Testing
• Magnetic Flux Leakage
• IRIS (Internal Rotational Inspection System)Testing
• Alternative Current Field Measurement (ACFM)
• Guided Wave Ultrasonics
• Acoustic Pulse Reflectometry

Training and Certifications for Advanced NDT

People who wish to become a part of this testing industry can undergo training to receive certificates making them eligible to work in this particular domain. Training on conventional as well as advanced techniques are provided by various organizations which double up as academic institutes for aspiring professionals. Training is provided by BINDT accredited company and they are usually of high quality. The companies providing training are also authorized qualifying bodies for such work.

The training facilities are geared towards providing training on enhanced skills and knowledge of the candidates. It increases his/her experience and confidence as well. Experts in the field provide training to the students which is effective in producing efficient professionals later on. The training courses are not just geared towards passing the examination but also towards making the candidate a successful professional. One of the commonest courses in this field is the ASNT or PCN.

Benefits of Advanced Nondestructive Training

The biggest benefit of providing an advanced nondestructive training is that the inspected data is more accurate and reliable. Also, it comes with an improved PoD which makes the data available to repeat and record time and again. Methods like Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing or PAUT offers more intuitive displays and improved ways of data presentation. It also generates better inspection reports of higher value for clients. For instance, a color-coded C-scan is a brilliant way of representing inspection data. Different colors can be used for displaying different aspects like wall thickness using these advanced methods like PAUT. Some clients will find it easy to interpret the simple ECA C-Scan in comparison to a more complicated and conventional eddy current display.

Advanced nondestructive techniques are better for utilization in specific inspections as they provide greater control over equipment configuration. Optimizing the use of equipment is also easier with this technique. Advanced NDT techniques can help store large amounts of data as well.

The advanced NDT techniques with all these advantages and certified courses have become a strong craze among the aspiring professionals. These are more effective, reliable and hence used more in various technologically advanced industries for inspection or testing.