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Abstract
In this paper we propose to apply radiographic tangential method for corrosion
and deposit evaluation in pipes. Automatic method based on image processing is
developed in order to improve wall thickness measurements. The application of
this method on small and large pipes diameters (2 inches to 6 inches) is shown
and results are discussed.
Introduction
The reliability and the safety of industrial equipment in the petroleum industry
and power plants are substantially influenced by degradation processes such as
corrosion, erosion, deposits and blocking of pipes, which might reduce
production, cause leaks, fires or unpredictable and costly shutdowns due to
repair and replacement.
The condition of critical components in these industries can be monitored by the
proper use of NDT inspection methods even while the plant is in operation, thus
making possible the planning of components replacements, repairs, deposit
removal and shutdowns. Preventive and corrective maintenance averts the
environment and the public from excessive risk of industrial disasters.
One of the most important parameters in a piping or pipe-line to be monitored
and measured is the wall thickness. Only radiographic method assures inspection
without costly removal of insulation material during operation of the plant. An
additional advantage is that these techniques can be even applied in high
temperature environments. Radiographic evaluation of the deposits/scales in
pipes (insulated or not) is also an effective NDT technique.
This radiogram is examined by radiography interpreters whose the task consists
in measure and quantify wall thickness. Because of the bad contrast and high
unsharpeness of the radiogram quality, make difficult their job, the wall
thickness evaluation in these conditions is submitted to human judgement.
The paper objective is to propose :
To apply radiographic tangential method for corrosion and deposit
evaluation in pipes.
To develop automatic method based on image processing in order to
improve wall thickness measurements.
To show application of this method on small and large pipes diameters (2
inches to 12 inches).
Where :
SFD : source film distance
Ug : geometric unsharpeness
OD : external diameter of tube
d : Insulation thickness
s : source dimensions.
To be able to decrease the effect of fuzzy, studies showed that the operator
should use SFD superior to 8 times tube diameter.
1.2. Determination of :
Holding amount of SFD, the operator must put the tangent points of the tube in
order to be able to put in evidence risk areas damaged by corrosion. The relation
that expresses the angle as shown in figure 1, is given by:
3. Image analysis
The exploitation of radiograms can be done from the interpretation of film on
negatoscope by an operator. This one determines external and internal diameter
limits of the pipe in order to measure, manually, thickness in areas of maximal
corrosion.
The encountered problems that affect the measure precision and its repeatability,
are the followings :
Effect of geometric projection of the fact that the film is not plated on the
tube (insulated).
Effect of unsharpness on edges (geometric unsharpness and diffusion of
edges)
Appreciation of edge limits different from an operator to another
Fig 3:
Figure 2 shows the radiogram of a tube presenting a deposit in which has been
manufactured some grooves. Figures 3 shows radiogram of a tube containing a
real corrosion "pits".
In order to measure automatically tube thickness, we digitized radiograms and
stored data in a computer memory. We applied segmentation techniques that
permit us the measurement of thickness variation in tube. As example, we show
the following results represented by figure 4:
Fig 4:
Conclusion
This work is a co-ordinate research project between our Research Centre and
International agency of Atomic energy. It is a group of work regrouping several
countries in the goal to proceed to tests of the so-called method and to propose a
inspection procedure and evaluation thickness of corroded tube without
removing the insulating.
References :
1. W.S. Burkle. "Application of the tangential radiographic technique for
evaluating pipe system erosion/corrosion.". Material evaluation. Vol. 47,
1184,Oct. 1989.
2. S. Lee, Y. H. Kim. "Determination of pipe thickness using tangential
radiography and film density-thickness correlation.", Rapport AIEA, Syria 1999.
3. SIRAC/HORUS, France "Outil d'assistance numrique l'analyse de
radiogrammes". Rapport AIEA, Istanbul 1997
4. Y. Kabir "Segmentation des images ddie au contrle non destructif par
radiographie.". Master Thesis. University of Blida. (Algeria) - 1999