What You Need To Know Concerning Pipeline Inspection

| Friday, October 4, 2013
By Rhea Solomon


Pipeline inspection will help identify faults such as corrosion and leakages on water systems. Infrastructure used in transporting other fluids such as petroleum oil, gas, steam and sewerage water also need to be inspected on a regular basis. If pipes are well scrutinized, inconveniences that may result from complete breakdown will be avoided.

There are various firms in the market that offer pipe inspection services. It is crucial that such firms hire certified inspectors so as to ensure they offer reliable services to their clients. Experience of the workers will also influence to a great extent the level of output.

In every region, there is a code that governs all the activities related to pipe scrutiny. The manual defines clearly all the standards that have to be observed when carrying out such activities. So that you do not find yourself on the wrong side of the law, it is always recommended that you read these guidelines before you undertake any assessment work.

Assessment procedure to be applied will depend on the kind of network to be worked on. For systems installed beneath the soil, inspectors will be mainly looking for internal erosion and corrosion. This is in contrast with above grade systems where they are more concerned with external erosion. Prior to the examination, the operators of a given network will provide details concerning it to the assessors.

An inspector will want to know when the system was constructed as well as its service conditions. He will seek to know the operating pressure and also leak history. Other details collected include information on previous repairs. The assessment work will be easier if a set of pipe drawings is available.

It is through conducting assessment that damaged supports, leaks and dents will be identified. The assessor will also highlight corrosion stains, gaps and misalignment if available. The first thing done is visual inspection and once it is over, all anomalies are shown in a sketch diagram of the system.

In order to determine the breadth of the pipes composing the structure, thickness measurement locations will be established. It is highly recommended that at least one TML be established on a single run of piping. Each TML has four test points in which one must be located at the bottom of the channel. The results of the visual assessment will to a great extent influence the manner at which thickness is evaluated. The assessor will utilize his knowledge in determining areas likely to be attacked by intense erosion. In case of internal corrosion, ultrasonic equipment is used to determine the thickness. Depths of metal loss are measured using pit depth gauge where external deterioration is noted.

New networks are inspected to find out whether their elements meet the required standards. Officials will scrutiny all valves to ensure that they match the required ratings. They will look for full thread engagement on all bolts. A system that was constructed using substandard materials will fail the test and must undergo correction before it is put into use. If pipeline inspection is done on existing network, then all recommendations made after the process must be implemented immediately.




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1 comments:

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