Microwave horn antennas-based transducer system for CUI inspection without removing insulation

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for inspecting insulated equipment for any corrosion under insulation (CUI). The system includes a device comprising transmitter and receiverhorn antennas, a vector network analyzer operatively connected to the antennas, and an infrared detector. In the method, a location for inspection of the equipment is identified. A metal jacket surrounding the location is removed without stripping the insulation. Microwaves are transmitted by the transmitted horn antenna at the location, and provide heating at the location. The microwaves are received by the receiver horn antenna after reflection off the equipment. The vector network analyzer analyzes the microwaves. The infrared detector detects infrared waves emitted from the location and develops an infrared image of the inner surface of the equipment. Based on the analysis of the microwaves and the developed image, a programmed processor determines whether CUI exists at the location.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for inspecting corrosion under isolation material of isolated equipment, and more particularly, to non-destructive testing systems and methods for assessing any corrosion beneath isolation material of isolated equipment. Background technique [0002] Corrosion under isolation (CUI) is a specific type of corrosion that can occur in isolated equipment, such as piping, due to the accumulation of moisture on the exterior surfaces of the isolated equipment. A CUI that has not been detected can cause serious damage to equipment (e.g. equipment failure) and thus lead to the shutdown of the process unit with the damaged equipment, or even the shutdown of the entire facility in the case of a CUI occurring at a particularly critical location. broken. The precursors to CUI are the accumulation of moisture and the formation of puddles of water beneath the insulation of the device. [0003] For isolation tubes,...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this current practice is time consuming because there is often no extrinsic indication of CUI and the location along the equipment must be checked randomly or on a schedule

In addition, the current practice is costly as the barrier material must be replaced at each site examined regardless of whether a CUI is found

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