None of this, however, absolves operators from
their future responsibility. IVP is on its way. So while the
expectation is clear, the possibility still exists that the
proposed rule could catch operators off-guard.
The best bet to avoid a sneak attack is through advanced
planning and preparation. That is why even though the
regulation is not a reality yet, many operators are looking to
get a head start.
All pipe joints are not created equal
Among the requirements of PHMSA’s ADB-2012-06 is the
validation of material records. In many cases, however, those
records are either insufficient, have been lost over time, or
were never kept in the first place.
So this leaves operators asking two questions: Is it possible
for me to satisfy the IVP requirements without incurring all of
the associated costs of extensive excavations and laboratory
testing? And, if so, can I accomplish the same results through
non-destructive methods alone?
The answer to both questions is yes. “The solution
is twofold,” says Chuck Harris, Manager, Strategic
Commercialisation at T.D. Williamson (TDW). “First, inline
inspection (ILI) with a comprehensive technology like the
multiple dataset platform, (MDS) to classify pipe joints by
their characteristics. Second, following the integrity report,
verification of materials through the positive materials
identification (PMI) process.”
As the market’s most comprehensive inspection platform,
MDS is comprised of a robust combination of complementary
technologies. When specifically applied to IVP requirements,
MDS provides the following:
)
)
Low field magnetic flux leakage (LFM), the foundational
dataset for grouping pipe joints. LFM reveals mechanical
characteristics related to manufacturing and milling
through background gauss levels and microstructure
changes.
)
)
Deformation or geometry inspection (DEF), which
identifies bore and long seam trim characteristics.
)
)
High field axial magnetic flux leakage (MFL), used to
confirm magnetic properties.
)
)
SpirALL® MFL, which distinguishes differences in long seam
characteristics.
)
)
Radial/IDOD (internal/external discrimination) used to
identify additional characteristics related to the internal
pipe wall.
In a certain sense, MDS allows operators to go back
in time: The platform can identify carbon steel pipe joint
characteristics based on the manufacturing or milling process,
information that can unlock the mystery of what a large
section or even an entire pipeline is made of.
As Harris explains, pipe joints with similar manufacturing
or milling should share certain similar material properties.
MDS can be used to identify common characteristics of a
representative sample of pipe joints, producing information
that can be validated by the PMI process and then applied
more broadly.
“Let’s say MDS has allowed you to identify 1000 similar
joints that are grouped together in what we’ll call a bin,” Harris
says. “It would be possible, and it’s our objective, to allow a
subset of those 1000 joints to be validated by PMI and apply
the findings to all 1000.
“This could then be used as the basis for identifying
material characteristics for all of the joints in an entire bin.
In other words, by validating a subset of joints, we could
determine the characteristics of all of them,” Harris adds.
The result is the foundation for establishing complete
material records where none exist. And not only will that fulfil
future PHMSA rules, it can keep operators from looking over
their shoulders for surprises – and maybe stave off a few grey
hairs in the process.
Figure 1.
Representation of pipe joints with similar characteristics.
110
World Pipelines
/
AUGUST 2015
