Inline inspection (ILI)A method used to assess the the integrity and condition of pipelines. It involves the use of specialized tools that are inserted into the pipeline and propelled… has advanced significantly over the past decade, but certain pipeline mediums continue to push the limits of conventional technology.
Ammonia, Brine, and Propane each present unique challenges that affect ultrasonic performance, toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig. configuration, data quality, and the operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel…’s ability to make confident integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … decisions. As operators diversify their product portfolios and energy systems to evolve, understanding how to reliably inspect these niche mediums is becoming increasingly important.
NDT Global has successfully engineered specialized ultrasonic solutions capable of delivering results where standard tools fall short. This blog explores the specific challenges of ammonia, brine, and propane pipelines, and the innovations making accurate inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… possible.
Ammonia: Engineering an UTSystems used in non-destructive testing that utilize sound waves to detect, identify, and measure anomalies within a pipeline integrity test or management progr… CrackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… InspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… Solution for a Historically Difficult Medium
Ammonia pipelines have long been regarded as incompatible with traditional ultrasonic crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… detection. The chemical properties, combined with the impact on acoustic transmission, create a particularly hostile environmentSurroundings or conditions (physical, chemical, mechanical) in which a material exists. The environment plays a significant role in pipeline design, constructio… for sensors, electronics, and toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig. components.
Inspecting pipelines for cracks is a critical part of ensuring the safety and integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … of energy infrastructure. However, some environments like those transporting anhydrous ammonia bring unique challenges that make conventional inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… methods unsuitable. Ammonia is chemically aggressive and exhibits acoustic properties that differ significantly from more typical pipeline mediums, requiring a specialized solution.
Developing a robust UTSystems used in non-destructive testing that utilize sound waves to detect, identify, and measure anomalies within a pipeline integrity test or management progr…-based crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… solution requires:
Unique sensor housing and material selection to withstand chemical interaction
Refined ultrasonic configurations that account for ammonia’s acoustic behavior
Comprehensive medium-specific modeling to maintain measurement accuracy
Specialized sealing and componentAny physical part of the pipeline, other than line pipe, including but not limited to valves, welds, tees, flanges, fittings, taps, branch connections, outlets,… protection to ensure toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig. survivability
This engineering effort represents a significant step toward enabling crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… in environments once considered off-limits. As the global energy market increasingly explores ammonia as a hydrogenA natural gas element used in non-destructive testing,
hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol "H" and atomic number 1. It is the lightest and most abun… carrier and alternative fuel, reliable inspection technology will be essential to maintaining long-term pipeline integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … and operational safety.
Brine: Heavy Scaling, CorrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca… Mechanisms, and Data Complexity
Brine systems introduce a different set of problems. High salinity and suspended solids can create rapid scaling inside the pipe, influence corrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca… growth, and interfere with standard ultrasonic measurements.
Key challenges include:
Deposits and scaling that alter signal paths and reduce detectability
Variable corrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca… morphology, often requiring high-resolution data analytics
Potential compatibility issues between toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig. components and the fluid
High-density mediums that demand adjusted configuration for accurate speed-of-sound calibration
NDT Global’s experience with brine inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… has led to specialized toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig. conditioning, surface preparation strategies, medium-tailored ultrasonic setups, and enhanced digital signal interpretation, all of which work together to deliver consistent, high-quality data.
Propane: Managing Extreme Sound Velocity Fluctuations
Propane presents a uniquely challenging environmentSurroundings or conditions (physical, chemical, mechanical) in which a material exists. The environment plays a significant role in pipeline design, constructio… for ultrasonic inline inspectionA method used to assess the the integrity and condition of pipelines. It involves the use of specialized tools that are inserted into the pipeline and propelled… due to its highly variable acoustic properties. Depending on temperature and pressure, the speed of sound in propane can range dramatically, from around 680 m/s up to 1,000 m/s. These fluctuations directly impact the propagation of ultrasonic signals, making accurate crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… detection more difficult than in stable liquids such as crude oil or waterAn inorganic compound of hydrogen and oxygen. Used in non-destructive testing as a penetrant and as a medium for testing..
To overcome these challenges, inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… tools must be specifically configured to account for medium variability. This includes selecting the optimal angle of incidenceThe angle of incidence is the angle between an incident ray of light (or any other wave) and the normal, which is an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface… for ultrasonic probes and calibrating sensors to maintain resolution across a wide range of operating conditions. Advanced tools can now detectTo sense or obtain a measurable indication from a feature.
both axial and circumferentialAn event that occurs or is measured along the circumference of a pipeline. It implies the direction or orientation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axi… cracks, even in thin-walled pipelines, providing operators with reliable insights into pipeline integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural ….
By combining medium-specific calibration with ultrasonic technologySystems used in non-destructive testing that utilize sound waves to detect, identify, and measure anomalies within a pipeline integrity test or management progr…, operators can achieve the confidence required to manage the risks of propane pipelines, enabling proactive maintenance strategies and reducing the reliance on more disruptive testing methods.
Why These Mediums Matter More Than Ever
As energy markets evolve, pipelines are increasingly tasked with transporting unconventional or highly reactive products. This shift demands inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… technologies that are not merely adapted but purpose-built to operate in challenging environments.
Advancements in ultrasonic toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig. design, material selection, medium modeling, and data analytics now allow operators to:
Confidently perform crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel… detection in historically incompatible mediums
Improve confidence in defectA flaw, anomaly, or imperfection in a pipeline that could compromise its integrity, safety, or performance. Defects can vary in nature, size, and severity and c… sizing and risk assessmentThe process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating potential risks or hazards in order to determine their likelihood, potential impact, and to develop strate…
Reduce uncertainty that once forced conservative, and costly integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … decisions
Maintain regulatory compliance in complex operating conditions
Overcoming the challenges of ammonia, brine, and propane inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… reflects more than technical capability, it demonstrates the industry’s commitment to future-ready pipeline integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural ….
