Inspection Plugs on hot insulation

[Bazinga]

Hi All,

Our contractor is proposing to install inspection plugs on hot insulated piping that can be removed for inspection of CUI. I understand the theory that they replicate the conditions of the pipe and can easily be removed for inspection, but I'm more concerned with how they perform in practice. My concern is that given the unpredictable nature of CUI, inspecting these very small plug sections wont actually provide any more confidence to the integrity of the piping and we'll end up having to remove insulation anyway during inspection campaigns. What's others experience here, is installing inspection plugs a best practice that actually helps with monitoring for CUI, or are they a 'well meaning but useless' endeavor?

 

[LittleInch]

The inspection points themselves can become areas of weakness. Prob need to be at the bottom of the pipe.

I guess they could allow access for long range UT between welds and flanges, but yes. it's like any spot inspection - only gives you a small chance of finding anything.

How many and what separation / size?

what type of insulation?

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[SJones]

It’s down to the owner to define the inspection strategy, not the insulation contractor. API, DNV, EFC, and a few others have documents that help.

Steve Jones
Corrosion Management Consultant

http://www.linkedin.com/in/drstevejones

All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.

 

[myname_earl]

What's the operating temperature of the pipe? Once you hit a certain temp, CUI isn't relevant.

 

[0707]

Chose points in pipe where corrosion is more susceptible to occour such as lower points of condensation, then proceed, and choose your plugs on insulation according the API of CUI.(API Recommended Practice 583).