Ultrasonic Guided Wave for Long Range Monitoring and Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) of Corrosion Induced Defects in Shipboard Piping with Complex Geo

FBS, Inc has identified the technical issues related to guided wave inspection of complex shipboard piping systems. Among these, inspection of and beyond elbows, liquid loading both interior and exterior to the piping, and defect cross-sectional-areas (CSAs) of ~ 1% or so are the major issues. FBS, Inc. has the expertise to cast each of these into a theoretical framework enabling study of guided wave interactions with elbows and liquid loaded pipes and guided wave scattering from small percentage CSA defects. Complimenting such studies, experimental verification of theoretical assertions can be conducted at our laboratory (or at other sites). We also have the unique capability to implement guided wave focusing and an engineering staff that can design and fabricate specialty transducers for the arrays required for focusing. Our familiarity with guided wave phased array instrumentation is another asset that we have and will use to attain the goals of this project. FBS, Inc. has an excellent working relationship with Pennsylvania State University whose Dr. Joseph Rose is world renowned researcher in the area of guided wave NDE. Through our years of experience with major NDE service and equipment vendors we have the connections to quickly enter the path to commercialization. BENEFITS: Corrosion induced defects are responsible for a number of piping failures that have led to environmental mishaps, explosions, and deaths. The early detection of such defects prior to their extent reaching a dangerous level is critical to preventing the aforementioned catastrophes. The end products of this project, guided wave NDE analysis tools and corrosion detection ultrasonic hardware, will provide the resources for early detection of corrosion. These resources will be welcomed by all industries and utilities using pipelines to handle and transport their products and by the US Navy for their shipboard piping systems. The benefits are greater pipeline reliability and safety. The ability to inspect elbows and piping beyond elbows over long distances provides a cost benefit regarding inspection and maintenance economics. Large-scale commercialization is easily foreseeable.