Guided Wave Equivalency to a Hydrotest – Final Report

Summary:
In this project, analysis was performed to demonstrate and validate the use of Guided Wave Ultrasonic Testing (GWUT) technology as an equivalent to a hydrotest. The NACE Standard Practice for Guided Wave Technology was approved.

Project Objective:
In this project, analysis was performed to demonstrate and validate the use of Guided Wave Ultrasonic Testing (GWUT) technology as an equivalent to a hydrotest.

Project Description:
Guided Wave Ultrasonic Testing (GWUT) has been shown to be a promising technology for inspecting casings and other difficult-to-access sections of pipe. However, under current regulations, GWUT use requires compliance with an “18-point checklist” of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

GWUT can be a lower-cost, more accurate alternative for pipe inspection, especially in areas where hydrotesting cannot be used. However, with the expense and uncertainty involved with the regulatory approval process, few companies have pursued the use of GWUT as a stand-alone for pipe-inspection method.

While numerous R&D efforts have been conducted to evaluate GWUT, the results have never been combined to provide a validation that equates GWUT with hydrotesting.

In this project, data was gathered and a validation of GWUT performed that is expected to lead to the acceptance of GWUT as an inspection technique equal to hydrotesting.