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

Paper Number: 133456

133456 - Case Study: Leveraging API 1163 Validation and Verification to Manage SCC Using ILI Ultrasonics Crack Tool 

Abstract: 

A pipeline susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and high-density of manufacturing-related anomalies in the base material was inspected with a high-resolution ultrasonic crack tool (UTCD) for two consecutive years. Field results suggested that the Probability of Detection (POD) was consistently reliable as the ratio of detection during field verification aligned. However, the Probability of Identification (POI), and particularly the depth accuracy, were questionable as the features tended to be underestimated. Following API 1163 3^rd Edition Level 2 validation, it was evident that the tool did not meet the published specification. In addition, additional engineering studies showed evidence of growth in some areas of the pipeline.  This raised the question: how to manage the pipeline when the Level 2 validation is not met, and there is evidence of growth within one year?

This paper presents a case study demonstrating the application of API 1163 verification and validation to ensure the safe operation of a pipeline. The authors navigated the API 1163 verification process for both inspections, achieving Level 1 validation for tool repeatability but still encountering underestimation on depth sizing. Level 2 validation required a systematic pattern analysis.The data (features) used had to be categorized and classified using different attributes from field results and the recorded ILI data. This study identified the feature geometry as the primary cause for underestimation. The team leveraged historical data as well as simulations to better understand the order of magnitude the feature geometry has on the recorded amplitudes and subsequently in the depth calculation.

From this point, the ILI analysts could derive a non-standard analysis procedure for the pipeline in question where the features that fulfilled specific criteria, based on the pattern analysis, were then reevaluated and the depths compensated achieving the Level 2 validation.

 This paper underscores the importance of API 1163 guidelines, emphasizing the need for collaboration between pipeline operators and ILI vendors to identify root causes and ensure safe pipeline management.

Presenting Author: Rogelio Guajardo NDT Global

Presenting Author Biography: Rogelio Guajardo is the Director of Analytics at NDT Global. With 15 years of experience in the industry he is a certified ILI Level III Shear Wave based on ASNT/ILI-PQ-2017. Rogelio oversees the global analysis team ensuring the results from the analysis based on a systematic approach. He has contributed as subject matter expert for crack tool developments within NDT Global as well as research and implementation on new services such as Enhanced Sizing, Eclipse UCx, Cracks in Dents Diagnosis. Rogelio is an Electronic Engineer and holds a Master in Environment and Alternative Energies.

Authors:

Rogelio Guajardo NDT Global
Santiago Urrea NDT Global