The ultrasonic properties of liquid gasses like propane differ significantly from liquids like crude, diesel, fuel oil etc. Ultrasonic attenuation, impedance and the strong pressure and temperature dependence of the sound velocity are challenges faced when trying to run an ultrasonic crack-detection tool in propane.

GE Energy’s UltraScan™ CD tool has worldwide recognition as an extremely efficient technology to detect and size SCC, single pipe body cracks and weld defects in liquid pipelines. The tool detects cracks as small as 1 mm in depth and 30 mm in length. This detection and sizing capability enables accurate assessment of pipeline remaining life and safe operating pressures for the cracking threats identified. We have over 10 years of operational experience running UltraScan CD with excellent success rates and high accuracy based on in-field verification results.

Due to an increasing demand from pipeline operators, we recently upgraded the 10"/12" UltraScan CD tool to provide all the above capabilities in liquid propane. Until now, UltraScan CD had to be run within a liquid batch. Now, sensor carrier and onboard software algorithms have been adapted for the new requirements of running in a gas line without a liquid batch.

To validate the tool improvements, a test run was carried out in a client's propane line during operation. Artificial defects were introduced in one pipe segment in order to confirm detection and sizing. The data acquired accurately reflected the size and location of the defects used for calibration within the normal specification of the tool. These results have proven that all specification criteria defined for a conventional liquid coupling can be achieved in propane too.

UltraScan CD tool.

UltraScan is trademark of PII Group Ltd.