Inspection: UT/Crack Detection

The latest addition to the Weatherford arsenal of inspection tools, techniques and solutions for pipeline integrity management (PIM) is the ultrasonic testing (UT) inspection tool for detecting cracks and crack-like anomalies, especially for pinpointing stress corrosion cracking (SCC), an environmental type of corrosion.The UT tool emits ultrasound pulse waves at an angle, creating a shear wave in the pipewall. The waves locate hard-to-find crack-like anomalies, (environmental cracking and production-related anomalies) in their earliest stage of development.

By providing a full-circumferential view of the pipewall, operators can evaluate axially oriented cracks, crack-like anomalies, toe-cracks, lack of fusion, as well as large individual cracks or colonies of SCC.

Because this UT tool is supported by qualified and experienced Weatherford personnel, operators also receive proven ways to maximize the crucial information gained from this newest PIM diagnostic tool. Ultrasonic crack detection technology services are available for onshore and offshore pipeline operations and are available in many different diameters.

The Weatherford proprietary visualization and analysis software package, providing a detailed database of anomalies, pipeline features, and geometry anomalies—allows data to be viewed in various formats.

The software, anomaly database and analysis report (generated by the analysis center) are then compiled to form a comprehensive final report to document the integrity of the pipeline.