Obtaining Materials Properties Using an In-Situ Method: Case Studies

Introduction

As oil prices continue to remain low due to high market supply, producers are pulling back on spending, as evidenced by revised earnings forecasts and reduced budget spend [1]. While this is expected to continue in the short term, the business case for nondestructive testing (NDT) services relies on cost-avoidance strategies as operators are faced with tough decisions. Despite these short-term trends, the market for the oil and gas industry is predicted to grow 7% per year through 2033, reaching a total of $7.5 billion [2]. The North American share of this market is estimated to be 35%, which is expected to rise to approximately $2.5 billion in 2033[2]. While these numbers are estimates, the overall picture is clear: demand for NDT services and technologies is still significant and growing.

This article will first explain some of the key drivers in the increased application of nondestructive testing methods and technologies. It sets the context for the continued demand for nondestructive solutions to improve asset integrity management in the oil and gas space.

We then explore two use cases that illustrate how automated ball indentation (ABI), a unique nondestructive testing method, has been utilized to solve asset integrity challenges. We start with a case describing how the indentation method was used after a catastrophic gas pipeline failure to validate Fitness for Service (FFS) for similar pipelines in the same area. The second use case illustrates how the technology was used to validate flanges for service in and offshore applications involving low temperatures.

Growth Key Factors

Growth in the NDT services market is driven by several key factors, which are described in the following sections.

Aging Infrastructure

While a challenge worldwide, this problem is most acute in North America and the EU. Growing energy demand will continue to drive motivation to keep existing assets in service. This will continue to increase demand to validate the material properties, ensuring that these assets are safe to operate and capable of achieving adequate product throughput and productivity levels.

NDT Technology Growth

Today, NDT technologies and methods, such as, optical scanning, ultrasound scanning, x-ray scanning, and eddy current solutions, are used to identify anomalies and flaws in materials at the surface and slightly below. Automated ultrasonic testing (AUT), phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), computed radiography (CR), and digital radiography (DR) are utilized for weld inspection, corrosion detection, and corrosion under insulation detection.