Method and apparatus for scanning corrosion and surface defects

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining the life span for secure use of a pipeline comprising the steps of a) defining an area for surface corrosion analysis on the pipeline, b) providing a corrosion scanning system for scanning the defined area on the pipeline, c) localizing and measuring the corrosion on the surface of the defined area by means of the corrosion scanning system, d) determining the remaining wall-thickness of the pipeline at the defined area by means of the corrosion scanning system, and e) processing the surface condition data related to corrosion at the defined area obtained in steps c) and d) to determine the life span for secure use of the pipeline. In another aspect the present invention relates to a corrosion scanning system for performing for performing the method according to the invention. In another aspect the invention relates to a prediction system for predicting the secure life span of a pipeline.

Description

Field of invention: [0001] The invention relates to the field of inspecting materials for the presence of corrosion and surface defects, such as dents, third-party damage, and the like. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining and analyzing corrosion in or on pipelines. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method and an apparatus for determining the safe service life of pipelines. In other aspects, the present invention also relates to a forecasting system for predicting the safe service life of pipelines. Background of the invention: [0002] Corrosion to the interior and exterior surfaces of in-service pipes, tanks, or other industrial assets reduces the integrity of the material and potentially reduces the service life of the equipment. Defects can take many forms and can potentially initiate corrosion and / or cracking by one or more mechanisms. These factors affect materials over a wide range and involve many indust...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the techniques described allow detection and localization of areas of corrosion, but do not provide information on the remaining useful life of the pipeline where it is necessary to consider the safe use of the pipeline

[0008] In conclusion, existing methods for corrosion measurements are not only mechanically limited, but also costly in terms of financial and time due to the human effort involved in performing operations, processing data, and drawing conclusions

Furthermore, when detecting and locating corrosion within pipelines, currently available techniques have another major disadvantage of not providing information on the remaining useful life of the pipeline where the safe use of the pipeline needs to be considered

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