Piping

Autonomously, or under the guidance of our clients, we offer general piping inspection services according to API 570.

 

Deliverables:

• Complete report attesting to compliance with API 570 requirements
• A clear plan for the piping owner on what to do
• Turnkey services, from requests, to planning and processing of results of various non-destructive examinations

 

Torngats Advantages:

• A project management and execution methodology proven by our site experience
• A multidisciplinary team that can perform 100% of the tests independently
• Strong knowledge of advanced non-destructive testing to select the optimal techniques

We generally use phased-array ultrasonic testing for the detection of internal thickness losses in the pipes. This technique provides faster coverage and better interpretation of surface profiles.

 

Advantages :

• Precise thickness data
• Rapid coverage of large sections
• Excellent interpretation of indications
• Possible to inspect through a uniform and well-adhered paint
• Applicable on hot surfaces (variable maximum temperature)

 

To Consider :

• Need to apply couplant to the contact surface
• It may be difficult or impossible to take measurements from a heavily corroded contact surface
• Measurements may become more difficult to get when the thickness is less than 1 to 3 mm (depending on the application)

We use pulsed X-ray with a live detection plate (DR) for inspection of small diameter piping. This technique makes it possible to detect thickness losses through the insulation, and also to inspect complex geometries such as valves. The result is a digital X-ray film and the software allows direct thickness measurements to be taken.

 

Advantages :

• Precise thickness data on sections perpendicular to the exposure
• Very intuitive image
• Deposits inside the pipe would be easily detected
• Digital films and direct measurements with the software
• Less radiation using pulsed X-rays, reduced safety perimeter
• Battery operated system

 

To consider :

• Security perimeter to be prepared for each exposition
• Need some clearance around the piping, on one side for the pulsed tube, on the other for the captation plate
• Thickness measurements are not available on the full circumference, unless multiple exposures are performed at different angles.

Phased-array ultrasonic thickness measurement data can be recorded based on position to obtain a detailed thickness map for the section of interest, mainly for internal corrosion. Different types of scanners can be used, including a dedicated scanner to scan pipe elbows.

 

Advantages :

• Efficient and detailed thickness mapping
• Accurate thickness measurements
• Data available in Excel format for "fitness for service" calculations or progress monitoring over time

 

To consider :

• Requires application of couplant or water to the contact surface
• We have a dedicated scanner for challenging elbow thickness mapping

 

Technician Certifications:

• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, PAUT
• ASNT, UT Level 3

We excel wih 3D modeling technologies which allow us to obtain accurate thickness loss profiles of external corrosion or deformation. The use of self-adhesive targets on the inspected surface allows very precise scanning of the surface profile, even on site.

 

Applications:

• Characterization of corrosion areas or external deformation
• Extensive damage impact assessment using finite element analysis
• Monitoring of damage evolution over time

 

To Consider :

• Surface must be dry and not very reflective.
• The technique models any material on the surface, so also paint, deposits or corrosion. It is necessary to clean the surfaces of interest for more precision.
• Results obtained is the profile of the modeled surface, and not directly the wall thickness, it is necessary to supplement with ultrasound to judge the residual thicknesses.
• Require some clearance (min 12 ") from the surface of interest.

We have a camera mounted on a robotic crawler with ATEX explosion-proof and immersible classification. This robot has a maximum range of 1000 feet (300 meters) and can pass through pipes 4 inches and larger. The camera sits at the end of a hinged bottom that is controlled by the operator for close-up images.

 

Advantages :

• Large robot range (1000 feet)
• Very effective at going through obstacles
• Quality of images and videos
• Instrument pressurized with nitrogen (ATEX classification)
• Completely immersible

 

To note :

• Elbows can be difficult, especially for smaller diameters
• Consider creating an access for the robot (open the pipe)
• Heavy equipment to mobilize (mainly the cable reel)

The thermographic inspection method consists of monitoring the temperature field of the surfaces and analyzing the abnormal thermal gradients that occur by the presence of anomalies in the insulation and in the wall of the insulated pipes. This inspection method allows a quick and accurate scan when the piping is in service, to target areas that may be causing corrosion under the insulation.

 

Advantages :

• Non-contact technique with a high productivity rate for sweeping large isolated areas.
• CUI detection rate around 90% for the detection of wet insulation with corrosion.
• Flexible technology complementary to other non-destructive testing methods

 

To consider :

• A corroded area, but without moisture, has a significantly lower probability of detection
• Excellent knowledge of thermography (data acquisition and analysis) is required to achieve a good level of success.
• Reflective surfaces can cause more optical artifacts

Magnetic particles non-destructive testing method is very efficient and simple to perform. It detects defects emerging at the surface in ferromagnetic materials. A magnetic yoke is generally used to create the magnetic field.

 

Different Techniques:

• Dry powder (yellow or red)
• Black particles on a white background ("black & white")
• Fluorescent particles (in dark environment)

 

Advantages :

• Fast and effective
• Excellent probability of detection
• Applicable on various geometries
• The dry powder technique is applicable at high temperature

 

To note :

• Applicable only to ferromagnetic materials
• Detection of surface defects, or very close to the surface, only
• Requires a clean surface (no grease)

The ultrasonic phased-array technique allows multiple angles to be used simultaneously, creating a two-dimensional pie shape view. This greater coverage of the wall or weld section allows rapid detection of cracks, as well as a good interpretation of the type of defect.

 

Advantages :

• Fast scans with excellent probability of detection
• Characterization and accurate positioning of defects
• Volumetric inspection, not just on the surface
• Applicable on hot surfaces (variable maximum temperature)

 

To note :

• Requires application of couplant at the contact surface
• Sensitive to irregularities at the contact surface 
• Technique sensitive to very small defects, on the other hand, a crack must be of a certain depth to be characterized as such (from 1 to 3 mm depending on the application)

 

Certifications:

• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, UT and PAUT, Levels 2 and 3
• CGSB, UT, Level 2
• API, QUPA
• ASNT, UT, Level 3