Question regarding inspection of vessels/tanks,.. 1

[carthago]

Hi everybody,

For API 597 ( Fitness For Service), and I believe also in API 510, 653 There are two options for making thickness measurements.
Option 1 : thickness readings with a digital device.
Option 2: thickness profile.
My question , is since I am not an inspector is:
With which device can you make these profiles measurements ??
Please send adresses and sites of possible suppliers and makers of these devices.

Thanks
Fathi

 

[TangoCleveland]

We use a lot of Krautkramer NDE equipment. Look up their thickness gauges at

[URL unfurl="true"]http://www.geinspectiontechnologies.com/products/Ultrasonics/ThicknessGauges/index.html [/url]




Larry

 

[carthago]

Thanks OldSohioEngr.

To my understanding ( unless I am mistaking ) these Krautkramer gauges and other similiar gauges are for
THICKNESS READINGS (Thus one reading at a time).

My Question is and was: Which devices are used for making
Thickness PROFILES ???

is there a software which has to be added ??

 

[TangoCleveland]

The difference between thickness readings and thickness profiles is that a thickness profile is "thickness readings on a prescribed grid" (per API579, 4.3.3.1). Any UT machine can be used for readings or profiles. Data logging capability is convenient for profiles, and usually includes software.

Thickness readings are used to evaluate whether thickness is uniform, indicating general corrosion. If there are large differences in the thickness readings, the thin area is located, and a thickness profile is used to characterize the remaining thickness and size of the region of metal loss.

Larry

 

[carthago]

Well Larry, thanks a lot...things are clearer now..

I assume the software you are talking about can
calculate the "tm" and "tam" (average and minimum) as defined n section 4 of API579 .

 

[TangoCleveland]

Yes, the averages and minima are determined from the actual data readings. You have to supply minimum required thickness and previous thickness data.

Your best course of action would be to contact a local sales engineer for Krautkramer (or other) equipment. He (or she) would be happy to give you a demonstration.

Larry

 

[RNicastro]

To get a good profile of thickness, you can use UT methods such as B-Scan or C-Scan. Both will help you guage the average thickness as well as capture minimums and profiles. I prefer B-scan as it is quicker and simpler. Many machines such as the Panametrics Epoch 4, and RCS TMI-150 are very capable. I have used both for some time (Epoch is new) and I used to build and repair the TMI. When using these methods, you can freely scan the shell or heads and map out in real time. Hope this helps in some way.

 

[eyec]

unless you are at least a Level I UT tech, contract someone who is or go get the training.

i have used both Panametric and KK; prefer the KK DataMate, to do headers up to 4" thick, tubes as thin as .120", and tanks (coated & uncoated) slightly less than both.

condition (internal & external) of the tanks you are looking to inspect also play a large part in knowing which type of device to use (single or dual trace) and size of transducer.

again, refer to my first sentence. after that do a google search for nde inspection companies, there are a bunch out there.

i have managed inspection projects that used various companies with satisfactory results. TEC, FiveStar, MQS to name a few.

 

[JakeAvalon]

Does anyone know where I can find acceptable corrosion limits?

 

[eyec]

for what?

material, temp, pressure, service, etc.?

 

[aybee]

carthago.. there are thickness detection "crawlers" which can traverse tank floors and sides of tanks which will take UT readings as they go store them and can provide a read out on a PC which shows the floor area thickness in colour variations as a function of the thickness read. These pieces of equipment are usually hired out complete with operator ...aybee