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incorporate the use of magnetics and both are used
for detection and diagnosis. MFL is used to locate
metal-loss irregularities inside a pipeline, in a non-
destructive way that’s similar to the way an MRI
tries to locate tumors non-invasively in humans.
However, unlike an MRI where information is
gathered by placing the patient inside the imaging
instrument, an MFL tool gathers data by traveling
inside the pipeline. Powerful magnets inside the tool
produce a magnetic field within the steel pipeline
and magnetically “saturates” the steel. If there is
pitting, corrosion or other anomalies in the pipe,
the magnetism “leaks,” which then can be detected
by sensors. Data can then be collected and analyzed
through additional imaging techniques. Just as an
MRI can pinpoint the scope and location of the
tumor, the MFL tool can determine the size and
severity of specific anomalies, and accurately chart
their locations.
Another notable, recent advancement is TDW’s
Multiple Dataset Platform (MDS) featuring
SpirALL
®
MFL and SpirALL
®
EMAT crack
detection technology. The MDS platform combines
several technologies on one vehicle that travels
through a pipeline where it conducts varied types
of simultaneous inspections, digitally recording
integrity data. MDS can precisely identify and
locate varied types of threats and provide advanced
characterization giving customers a comprehensive
overview of their asset integrity. For instance,
an anomaly observed in isolation may seem
insignificant, but viewed through the simultaneous
multiple inspection technologies the irregularity
might turn out to be a small dent with corrosion-
driven metal loss, accompanied by a network of
stress corrosion cracking. What once might have
been labeled inconsequential now becomes a major
threat that can be quickly and efficiently treated
before further damaging the pipe.
Due to these techniques and new technologies
becoming an integral aspect of most pipeline
integrity programs, operators are no longer forced
to have to remove portions of pipeline from their
operating environment to assess damage. Instead,
they can conduct non-destructive evaluation (NDE)
on-site, to identify the strength of their pipeline
steel and its chemical composition. Through Positive
Material Identification (PMI), Optical Emission
Spectrometry (OES) and stress-strain measurements
taken at their point of origin, in-depth assessments
can now be provided in the field and on-demand.
Continue reading this article online
to learn about:
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Bracing for Impact: Advances in Custom
Composite Repair
•
A Nation’s Arteries: Achieving Minimally Invasive
Isolation, Bypass and Repair
Technology for an
Aging World
Continued
Jeff Wilson, Chief Technology Officer for T.D. Williamson, Inc., is responsible for
the development and commercialization of TDW’s products and services.
Jeff has led the development and deployment of various technologies used
in pipeline construction, maintenance and repair for both on-shore and
offshore applications. He received his doctorate in mechanical engineering
from The University of Tulsa (U.S.A.), has been awarded numerous patents
related to pipeline technology, and serves on the international
ASME PCC-2 subgroup on Nonmetallic Repair.
Meet Jeff Wilson, Ph.D.
Chief Technology Officer, T.D. Williamson
>>
