Guided Wave Testing

ABOUT GWUT

Guided wave testing (GWUT) is an advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) technique that allows for the inspection of piping systems with minimal insulation removal. XSI’s Long Range guided wave program offers rapid screening for in-service systems, both at ambient and elevated temperatures. This technology uses ultrasonic waves that travel along the length of the pipe, detecting corrosion, cracks, and other defects in the pipe walls, even in hard-to-reach areas. Guided wave inspection provides a unique solution by employing both short-range and long-range modes to achieve thorough coverage of the piping system, covering up to 300' (100m) in optimal conditions.

Applications of Guided Wave

Soil to Air Interface
Wall or Equipment Penetrations
Buried Facilities
Pipeline Screening
Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI)
Corrosion Under Pipe Support (CUPS)
Off Shore
Piles

Guided wave ultrasonics provide unmatched versatility and effectiveness for pipeline inspections in environments where safety, accessibility, and minimal disruption are paramount. By utilizing both short- and long-range guided waves, operators can perform comprehensive assessments of piping systems at elevated temperatures, across long distances, and without the need for insulation removal. Whether you are dealing with a network of risers in an offshore oil rig, a complex piping system in a chemical plant, or a high-temperature system in a refinery, guided wave ultrasonics can help you ensure the integrity and safety of your assets.

Riser Programs

XSI offers comprehensive solutions to assist our customers with their Riser Programs. Guided wave can provide a thorough screening system for soil-to-air interface and subsurface screening to determine if additional testing or excavation is required. By implementing guided wave ultrasonics in riser programs, operators can achieve a higher level of inspection reliability, improve safety standards, and optimize maintenance schedules. The ability to monitor risers and other piping systems in real-time allows for a proactive approach to maintenance, reducing the likelihood of unexpected failures or costly downtime.

Short Range Guided Wave

hort-range guided waves are typically used to inspect localized areas of piping systems, such as corrosion under pipe supports (CUPS), corrosion under insulation (CUI), or other challenging areas. XSI has exclusive use of FranScan, specifically developed for on-stream critical zone inspection on above-ground storage tanks. These waves travel a shorter distance, making them ideal for pinpointing specific points of concern or for assessing smaller sections of pipe, particularly in complex geometries or areas with difficult access.

Key Features of Short-Range Guided Wave:

Focused Inspection: Best for localized areas where high-resolution inspection is required.
Sensitive Detection: Detects small defects and corrosion within close proximity of the inspection sensor.
Quick Results: Provides rapid assessment in specific regions, ideal for troubleshooting or verifying issues at key points.

Long Range Guided Wave

Long-range guided waves offer a broader inspection range, capable of covering several meters of piping in a single scan. This method is particularly beneficial for inspecting long sections of pipe (up to 350m), hard-to-access systems, pipeline risers, or wall penetrations, all without the need for disassembling equipment or removing insulation. This long-range capability reduces downtime and avoids costly pipe disassembly.

Key Features of Long-Range Guided Wave:

Extended Coverage: Inspects long lengths of piping quickly and effectively, ideal for comprehensive surveys.
No Insulation Removal: The technology works through insulation, making it highly efficient for pipelines with high-temperature operating conditions.
Early Detection: Identifies issues that may not be immediately visible, helping to proactively address potential problems before they result in more significant damage.