The comparison of results of in-line inspections is becoming increasingly important. Not only in order to verify results of previous inspections, but also because continuous monitoring of pipeline condition allows deriving new conclusions, most notably it enables assessment of corrosion growth. This paper discusses how defect growth can be estimated from repeated inspections and what implications does the advancement of inspection technology have on it. Several models of corrosion growth assessment are discussed, the applicability of which depends on the condition of the pipeline, i.e. the density of defects and on the available data. A stepwise process can be defined in which more detailed information will allow to use more accurate methods of corrosion growth assessment.

This paper shows how, in a final stage, the data of high-resolution ultrasonic inspection (UT) tools can be used to compare defects on a basis of wall thickness C-Scans. This generates more precise conclusions about corrosion growth on single defects, which is not possible with the traditional statistical approach.

Subject
Active corrosion, Corrosion rate, Inline inspection, Pipelines, Tools, Inspection, Deviation, Metal loss, Probability, Corrosion losses, Corrosion growth, Defects, Wall thickness
© 2005 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
2005
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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