Reports and Research - Results Confidential

---

Author - White, Calum

Pulsed eddy current (PEC) is an electromagnetic method able to analyse and estimate the average wall thickness over an area through insulation and cladding.

PEC has been an established method of NDT for approximately 40 years, with little innovation over that time. It was always a slow, difficult to interpret technique without appropriate ISO standards to govern it. Eddyfi have developed a PEC system that attempts to address these main detriments whilst also improving accuracy. Due to increased usage and demand of the PEC technique, in 2017 the ISO standard 20669: Non-destructive testing: Pulsed eddy current testing of ferromagnetic metallic components has been issued, paving the way for appropriate EN ISO 9712 training and certification to follow suit over the next few years.

This report investigates the usability and accuracy of the Lyft system on a varied and challenging pipe setup.

Results and discussion redacted

Author - White, Calum

This was a follow up on-site investigation for the study conducted in 2018. A straight pipeline at height was selected for scanning using the PECA (pulsed eddy current array) probe and utilising rope access techniques. 

The intention of the investigation was to analyse the true on-site inspection speed, usability, robustness and accuracy of the equipment. 

Results and discussion redacted

Author - White, Calum

RTR is a portable fluoroscopic low voltage x-ray inspection tool capable of inspecting through cladding and insulation, imaging the external diameter pipe wall surface and potential highlighting areas of CUI.  

An initial examination of the OpenVision equipment and the radiation risk it presents to technicians. This data was used to analyse if it would be possible and practicable to use this equipment on-site whilst obeying all applicable rules set out in EURATOM and IRR17. Imaging of a test pipeline external diameter (under insulation) was also conducted.

Results and discussion redacted

Author - White, Calum

An initial examination of the Teledyne ICM RTR equipment and the radiation risk it presents to technicians. This data was used to analyse if it would be possible and practicable to use this equipment on-site whilst obeying all applicable rules set out in EURATOM and IRR17. Imaging of a test pipeline external diameter (under insulation) was also conducted.

Feedback for improvements and/or additions to the equipment was provided to Teledyne ICM.

Results and discussion redacted

Author - White, Calum

The AS&E Mini Z, and X-ray backscatter as a technology, is a commonly used method within the security sector that has potential for adaptation into the field of non-destructive testing (NDT) and corrosion under insulation (CUI) screening. Radiation dosimetry demonstrates that exposure to operators is <0.1μSv/h if handled correctly, with direct beam exposure of 7.5μSv/h at 0.5m. With a current maximum scanning speed of 4.5m per 30 seconds, it is a potentially a fast, low risk, low radiation method for finding moisture and corrosion without disturbing insulation systems that can be operated by qualified radiographers with minimal supplemental training.

This examination aimed to test the radiation risk the equipment presents to technicians. This data was used to analyse if it would be possible and practicable to use this equipment on-site whilst obeying all applicable rules set out in EURATOM and IRR17.

A series of insulation/ cladding combinations were inspected with varying degrees of enclosed water to test the accuracy of the equipment.

Results and discussion redacted

 Author - White, Calum

These trials were a direct follow up to the first x-ray backscatter trials conducted in August 2020 .

The intent was to trial the technology in a setting that could mimic site conditions as closely as possible, whilst also testing the capabilities with different common insulation systems. This allows us to draw conclusions relating to how differing materials and their density affect the sensitivity of the results.

The primary goal of the trial was to set an initial baseline of the equipment in relation to its current performance in detection of both moisture and corrosion.

Radiation safety is also a critical aspect to consider whenever employing equipment utilising ionising radiation. TUV Nord were in attendance for the trials for a full radiation dosimetry exam and a report has been issued to this end.

Results and discussion redacted