Phased Array Examination of Seam-welded High Energy Piping
J. Landrum, EPRI NDE Center
ABSTRACT Failure of seam-welded high energy piping carrying high pressure steam at elevated temperatures continues to be a major concern for the U.S. electric utility industry. In response to this concern, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has made extensive efforts to further extend the base of knowledge of the failure mechanisms of seam-welded piping, identify pipes at risk, and improve inspection methodologies. Extensive laboratory and field investigations conducted by EPRI since 1985 indicate that the integrity of seam-welded high energy piping systems can be effectively monitored through the use of appropriate nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods optimized for detection of inservice damage. The primary NDE method that has been relied upon to interrogate the seam weldment for the presence of damage is ultrasonic examination. Proper application of conventional ultrasonic techniques is time intensive and the resultant data difficult to interpret. These limitations have made it difficult for utilities to cost-effectively examine the large quantity of high energy piping seam welds and to ensure that even the best NDE techniques are implemented in a consistent and effective manner. Phased array ultrasonic examination techniques developed at the EPRI NDE Center offer a cost-effective means of performing a reliable examination of high energy piping seam welds in a more timely and consistent manner.
Publication Source: 2nd International Conference on NDE in Relation to Structural Integrity for Nuclear and Pressurized Components, May 24-26, 2000, New Orleans, Louisiana USA.
Publisher: EPRI - [Homepage]
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