About pipeline inspection and turbine inspection
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by: Editor123
Pipeline inspection and turbine inspection are the essential service functions that must be performed regularly and diligently to keep a plant or an industry running. Pipeline inspection cleaning and de-scaling require a lot of ground skills and technological application so as to avoid dismantling the pipeline for inspection and cleaning that will result in enormous loss to an industry. Often heat exchanger tubes, condensers and pipelines become contaminated and require immediate attention. The most common technique used to inspect a pipeline is Magnetic Flux Leakage (Induction) inline inspection or MFL-ILI. This technique of pipeline inspection is widely used in a number of industries due to its easy application and accuracy.
This technique works by firstly creating a powerful magnetic field in the pipeline and then detecting the areas where the flux lines could be missing. These will be the areas where the walls of the pipeline are pitted and corroded. More advanced versions of this technology are available where multiple sensors are used to improve the resolution. This ensures faster detection of inconsistencies and better and accurate isolation and repair of the affected area of the pipeline. Latest technology makes use of GPS system for detecting and isolating the affected area for repairs. Special turbines are used with blades especially designed keeping in mind the different diameters of pipeline to be cleaned. These are known as ‘mini pigs’ or ‘darts’. It is essentially a metal casing with rotating blades propelled by water. The rotating blades remove any scale deposited on the walls of pipeline. For the purpose of inspection, closed circuit TV cameras are put inside the pipeline. This enables technicians to inspect the wall thickness of the pipes electronically.
Turbine inspection
Turbine inspection is executed by inserting bore scopes to locate cracks and anomalies in the blades. For a thorough inspection of a turbine the dye penetration method is used. This comprises of a special dye that highlights cracks and inconsistencies. In this method, a cleaner, penetrant, and developer are used. Fluorescent dye is usually avoided as it requires visual examination of the crack in darkness with the use of a UV lamp.
About the Author
The article is contributed by a professional article writer, having experiences of working in different industries. For further information on materials testing, magnetic testing and failure analysis please http://www.acuren.com
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