Session: 03-04-01 Inline Inspection Performance Session 1.2

Paper Number: 133450

133450 - Development of an ILI Service for Heavy Wall Pipelines Based on EMAT Technology 

Abstract: 

Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) technology based ILI inspections have become vital for maintaining the safety of gas pipelines in order to manage crack threats. This technology has evolved over the past decade and has become widely used. As with any technology, existing EMAT services have limitations based on the physics of EMAT and the approach to the application of the technology in ILI services.

This paper will describe how ROSEN and TC Energy collaborated to develop reliable EMAT inspection services for heavy wall pipeline applications beyond the capability of currently available technology. This technology development process involved advancements in sensor design and fabrication, incorporation of latest electronic developments to enhance magnetization as well as leveraging machine learning techniques to enable EMAT inspection of pipelines for the time being of up to 16.4 mm wall thickness.

The paper will also describe the technology validation process including proof of concept, lab testing, innovative testing process on sample pipe while applying artificial defects that closely mimic natural ones, performance qualification process in line with applicable codes, pilot testing, and performance validation. The full process was executed to conform to typical industry validation requirements and to qualify under TC Energy extensive technology validation program. The paper will also review preliminary results of the first pilot application and approval for broader application in pipelines up to 48” in diameter.

The authors of the paper were intimately involved with the technology development over several years. The authors of the paper will describe the collaborative efforts of the research and development teams, business line management and key account management at ROSEN as well as the technology validation teams, threat management teams, and project management teams at TC Energy. The work has culminated in five inspections completed (48” and 36”) on the TC Energy system in Canada and the USA.

Presenting Author: Jens Voss ROSEN Germany

Presenting Author Biography: Jens Voss is the Head of Advanced Pipeline Diagnostics working for the ROSEN Group out of Lingen, Germany. He studied Electronics Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Emden and holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Osnabrueck. After working in several R&D roles from electronics engineer to project manager in his early career, Jens had the opportunity to work more internationally with customers around the globe. Over the last seven years Jens supported customers to manage the threat of cracking in pipelines with reflection based measurement technologies. His current interest is focused on diagnostic solutions for aging pipelines and the smooth execution and delivery of inspection services to pipeline operators.

Authors:

Jay Upadhyaya TC Energy
Clint Garth TC Energy
Richard Kania KanEnergy Partners Inc.
Aaron Schartner TC Energy
Markus Hoeving ROSEN Technology and Research Center GmbH
Timo Moritz ROSEN Group
Thomas Beuker ROSEN Group
Jens Voss ROSEN Germany