PR-335-143705-R01 Study on Reliability of In-ditch NDE for SCC Anomalies

Pipeline operators are increasingly finding pipeline degradation in the form of crack-like defects associated with stress corrosion cracking and are challenged in selecting and employing nondestructive examination techniques that can reliably determine the maximum depth and axial depth profile of these anomalies. This information is essential in determining whether the line is fit for service and for how long; which areas require repair; what repair methods may be deemed acceptable; and whether in-line inspection was successful in detecting and prioritizing anomalies.

This work further investigates and quantifies the capabilities and limitations of different nondestructive examination methodologies that are typically used and/or identified as feasible for the characterization of crack-like features. The objective of this project was to develop and implement a process to evaluate the applicability, accuracy, and sensitivity of different nondestructive examination methodologies in sizing stress corrosion cracking anomalies. This report outlines the nondestructive examination methodologies selected, the test processes and protocols used, the crack truth verification processes used, and the analysis of the final results.