Ultrasonic Pipeline Testing

Ultrasonic Guided Wave LLC performs non-destructive pipeline analysis using the MsS guided wave system.

Pipe diameters from 0.25 to 80 inch outer diameter can be analyzed.

Corrosion or crack detection is possible in buried, insulated, or above ground pipelines.

Sensitivity of up to 1% cross sectional loss can be obtained.

MsS probes can be installed in difficult to access areas at minimal extra cost for long-term monitoring. 

Pipelines up to 300 degrees Celsius (572 degrees Fahrenheit) can be monitored over long periods without taking them out of service.

Range of inspection for above ground, straight pipeline is typically 150 meters (492 feet) on each side of the MsS probe. This is a total of 300 meters (984 feet) of inspection range.

We give you the tools to create "smart" pipelines with permanently installed probes that allow you to regularly monitor pipeline conditions which will save time and money.

Ultrasonic Guided Wave technicians use the MsS system to test:

  • Piping systems in oil, gas, and petrochemical facilities
  • Power generation piping systems
  • Road pipeline crossings
  • Elevated/ complex piping systems with limited access
  • Buried pipelines

How does it work?

  1. The MsS probe is fixed to the outer diameter of the pipe.
  2. Ultrasonic frequencies are induced down the pipeline focused in the cross sectional area of the pipe wall.
  3. Reflections return to the probe when waves come in contact with corrosion, cracks, or other disparities in the pipe wall.
  4. The location of corrosion in the pipe wall is determined using the speed of the wave in the pipe wall.
  5. Cross sectional area loss in the pipe is determined as an estimate of pipeline defects.
  6. A report is created detailing the location and character of different reflections.
Example of MsS data showing periodic weld reflections.

What are guided waves?

Guided waves are ultrasonic waves that propagate the length of a structure and are guided by the confines defined by the geometric boundaries of the structure.
Guided wave types fall into three categories: torsional, compressional, and flexural.

Torsional

Flexural

Compressional

Torsional benefits

Ultrasonic Guided Wave LLC predominately utilizes torsional waves for pipeline inspections due to the following benefits:
  • Data acquired using torsional waves is not affected by liquid contents within the pipeline.
  • Because the torsional wave is non-dispersive, the velocity of the wave is constant across the frequency.
  • Torsional waves can identify axially oriented objects.
  • The lower frequencies of torsional waves result in shorter wavelengths which in turn allows for identification of smaller defects in the pipe.

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