Session: 03-04-02 New Inspection Technologies

Paper Number: 87151

87151 - Advanced Non-Destructive Methods for Defect Characterization Under Coating for In-Service Storage Tanks 

In recent years there has been significant development of non-destructive inspection technologies for on-stream inspection using remotely operated tools. Many operator companies have a keen interest to adopt such technologies to fulfil the integrity, reliability, and regulatory requirements while minimizing the operational impact. There has been substantial development of in-line inspection tools for pipeline defect characterization but there is an industry gap of such tools for in-service floor inspections of crude oil storage tanks. Currently, to inspect the tank floor, the tank needs to be taken out of service for long periods of time to facilitate cleaning and assessment. This not only poses a significant health and safety risk to personnel required to enter the confined space to perform the work but can also result in significant business disruption.

In an effort to minimize these risks, robotic submerged tools have been developed by industry that can inspect tank bottoms while in-service. Some tools are able to work in water, gasoline, diesel, and other refined products, but have limited capability to function in a viscous crude environment. Further research and development are required to overcome the challenges of sludge removal, sensor data acquisition under sediments, tool navigation in a viscous product, and electrical hazards in flammable and combustible products. To accelerate industry innovation, Enbridge has designed and constructed a test tank environment which is a small-scale version of a large capacity storage tank with prefabricated floor defects for vendors to test and evaluate their robotic equipment. The defects are designed to mimic product-side and soil-side general and localized corrosion.

This paper will describe the test tank design as well as the stages of the project for evaluating tool performance in different product environments. In the first stage, the tools will be tested in water, and their performance will be compared with conventional technologies used in out-of-service inspections. Following testing in pure water, additional sediment and/or sludge will be introduced to evaluate online cleaning/inspection technologies.

Presenting Author: Touqeer Sohail Enbridge Pipelines Inc.

Presenting Author Biography: Touqeer Sohail has PhD in Mechanical Engineering from University of Alberta with over 15 years of professional experience in the oil & gas operator and integrity service provider companies. My experience includes Pipeline and Facility Integrity Management, Risk Based Inspection, Fitness for service, Operation, Maintenance, Construction, Project Management, Installation and Commissioning of Mechanical Equipment related to Petro-Chemical industries. Currently, I am working as Facilities Integrity Specialist with Enbridge and manage pressure vessels and small tank programs both in Canada and USA. I am also providing technical support in a R&D project that involves evaluation of advanced non-destructive techniques for defects characterization under coating for in-service storage tanks.