Infrared evaluation of insulated pipelines to detect water that could cause Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI)

Douglas Burleigh; H. Allen Sanders

doi:10.1117/12.920011

18 May 2012 Infrared evaluation of insulated pipelines to detect water that could cause Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI)

Douglas Burleigh, H. Allen Sanders

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8354, Thermosense: Thermal Infrared Applications XXXIV; 83540P (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.920011
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

IR (infrared) inspection is being used to inspect oil pipelines on the North Slope of Alaska. The object of this inspection is to detect water trapped in the foam insulation around the steel pipes before it can cause corrosion that could result in a pipeline leak. This is referred to as Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI). The same method can be used to inspect insulated pipelines containing LNG (liquid natural gas), steam, heated chemicals, cryogenic fluids, etc. As long as the temperature in the pipe is substantially different (+ or -) than the ambient temperature, the IR evaluation method can work. Analysis can predict whether it will work for a specific application and operating conditions. IR can scan multiple pipes quickly and is a good qualitative screening method for detecting water trapped in insulation. Anomalies found by IR are evaluated further using RT ("C-Arm" or other RT technique) or other NDT methods. RT is a relatively slow technique compared to IR, but it is capable of detecting both water and pipe wall thinning. When the water level is high enough to reach the steel pipeline, corrosion of the pipe can occur. In this case, the corrosion is from the outside of the pipe inward. Other corrosion and erosion may take place from the inside out. Corrosion and erosion can eventually result in a hole in the pipe, which results in a leak. Thermal modeling has been performed to predict the environmental conditions under which IR testing will be successful. IR test procedures have been written and a personnel certification program has been implemented.

Citation Download Citation

Douglas Burleigh and H. Allen Sanders "Infrared evaluation of insulated pipelines to detect water that could cause Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI)", Proc. SPIE 8354, Thermosense: Thermal Infrared Applications XXXIV, 83540P (18 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.920011

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available