Pipe Support Inspections with Innovative Corrosion Screening Technique Implemented in the UAE

The Challenge of Pipe Support Corrosion

Corrosion at pipe supports often progresses in the following stages:

• The design of supports allows water to remain in contact with the painted pipe surface as well as the paint on the support element
• Prolonged exposure of the paint to water starts the degradation of the paint
• The small area of steel is now exposed to oxygenated water, which begins to cause corrosion
• The initial corrosion undercuts and spreads faster, soon leaving the entire support area as bare steel
• This corrosion spreads more rapidly and deepens
• If the inspection program is not set up to detect this mostly hidden wall loss, then the pipe will fail
• When corrosion product build-up is noted at pipe support contact areas, it may be necessary to lift the pipe off such supports for inspection
• When lifting piping that is in operation, extra care should be exercised and consultation with an engineer may be necessary
• This makes the inspection of pipes under supports very limited since corrosion can only be identified when it forms a build-up at the contact point, otherwise, it can be missed, reducing the probability of detection

On the other hand, chances of failure will increase.

Our Solution: Advanced Screening Techniques

At SGS, we address this challenge with a cutting-edge screening technique based on the Creeping and Head Wave principle. This approach is an effective tool for:

• Inspecting pipes beneath supports
• Screening large areas of vessels and exchangers
• Supplementing non-intrusive inspection approach, etc.

This technique is versatile, suitable for both pipes and plates, and excels in inspecting inaccessible geometries like clamps, saddles, and pipe supports. By eliminating the need for expensive shutdowns, we can provide critical information that highlights areas of corrosion, empowering our clients to make informed decisions that ensure the long-term integrity of their components.

The method employs a pair of probes mounted on angled shoes, designed to generate a unique combination of head and creeping waves that completely fill the plate or pipe with minimal attenuation.

Successful Implementation

We’ve successfully applied this inspection technique on pressure vessels and process piping, covering areas underneath saddle/simple and clamped supports for various clients. Our primary objective was to inspect areas beneath supports, as well as those inaccessible due to presence of refractory lining inside vessels.

By utilizing Creeping and Head Waves, we offer a powerful solution for screening inaccessible areas of pipes hidden beneath supports—areas that would otherwise be impossible to inspect with conventional methods. This technique is also a highly effective tool for non-intrusive inspection, allowing us to screen large areas in pressure vessels and exchanger shells to identify internal wall loss due to corrosion or erosion.

Applications of Our Advanced Inspection Technology

• Pipe Support
• Large area scanning
• Pressure vessels
• Exchangers, etc.

At SGS, we are committed to continuous innovation in our services and applications. Our Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) services are not only integrated with our Asset Integrity Management (AIM) solutions but also with our Material Testing laboratories, seamlessly fitting into our Supply Chain Services. We package our services around your assets and production processes to be utilized whenever required, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.

We hold ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation for our inspection body type A activities, highlighting our dedication to quality and reliability.