Friday, August 10, 2018
Detecting Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) Damage in Pipelines
With the continuous aging of Oil & Gas infrastructure, Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) has become increasingly important to prevent catastrophic failures. A new innovation that allows for the safe screening of large areas of piping for internal and external damage mechanisms is now available. Electromagnetic technology has become a method of choice, with well established inspection procedures for piping, tubing, and plates applicable to a wide range of materials.
The Russell NDE Bracelet Probe
Developed by the experts at Russell NDE, our Bracelet Probe is designed to detect internal damage on bare plates and piping. The structure of the probe means that it is covers a wide circumferential extent of piping, as it scans axially. Each scan covers 10” of circumferential width, allowing the device to cover the entire pipe in a few passes.
With axial scanning speeds of up to 12ft per minute, the bracelet probe is fast, effective and reliable.
Applications
While the Bracelet Probe has a wide variety of practical applications, a popular use is examining ductile iron or cast iron force mains to detect internal H2S Damage. Previous examples of this kind of work include:
- Our sister company, PICA (Pipeline Inspection and Condition Analysis Corporation) has inspected over 100 sites in Gwinette, Georgia, where internal pitting in their pipeline was suspected. Results ranged from no corrosion detected to accurately identifying through holes, some of which were already leaking.
- PICA also inspected sites in El Paso,Texas and detected internal pitting in several areas.
- In Columbus, Ohio, PICA inspected six sites along a Lime Slurry pipeline to determine where external graphitic corrosion was occurring. One through wall hole was identified, along with several smaller pits.
Being able to accurately identify this kind of damage offers pipeline owners the opportunity to arrest further corrosion on the inspected line, potentially preventing major breaks and leaks. The end results? Avoidance of costly repairs, disruption of services, and damage to the surrounding area.
Detecting Hydrogen Sulphide Corrosion is integral to protecting the functionality of pipelines. Russell’s Bracelet Probe ensures that inspection is easy, accurate, and provides detailed results that allow you to take preventive action. For more information on our technology, or to book an inspection, contact us today.