Acoustic Emission Testing of

Underground Ethylene pipeline

Condition Evaluation

Acoustic Emission Technology

Underground Ethylene pipeline
(150m. Long)
 Inspection Objective
The underground pipeline will be tested by Acoustic Emission Technique that
detects stress wave in areas of sensor coverage during the pipeline is apply
hydrostatic test.
This method can be used to evaluate the pipeline condition and provide
weakness areas that microscopic crack or leakage may occur during the
pressure test.
LIMITATIONS

Although, the AE inspection method can provide detection of damage and

give a measure of its severity for screening whether any further inspection
and repairs are needed; hence it is a cost-effective maintenance planning
tool, it cannot determine the type, size or exact position of any defects or
remaining thickness. A complementary inspection method such as
ultrasonic (shear wave) is needed to provide detailed information about the
size and location of any flaws.

Remark: Due to this underground pipeline cannot be access in between

the length of 150meters that may not be coverage by AE sensors on the
both ends. Therefore, this limitation shell be accepted by customer.
 AE System Layout
AE sensor Cable
4 x 100 meters

AE Instruments

AE sensor Cable
4 x 100 meters

AE Sensor Frequency
15kHz
30kHz
150kHz
300kHz
 AE Equipment Photos

AE Sensor

AE Events Plot example Sensor Mounting and Calibration

Sensor Frequency Details
Sensor Frequency Details
Test Procedure
 Hydrostatic test pressure schedule

30 min. 30 min. 60 min.

Pressure (bar)

BG Eva 30min For hydrostatic test continue

Maintain Pressure for 8hrs.

10 min. 10 min.

Time (not to scale)

 AE Inspection Time Line

8:00- 10:00- 11:00- 12:00- 13:00- 14:00- 15:00- 17:00- 18:00-

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 18:00 19:00

1) AE Equipment setup
and sensors installation
2) AE sensors calibration
(Hold pressure @5bar)
3) Back ground signal
record and evaluation
4) Increase pressure to
25bar (data rec. 10min)
5) Increase pressure to
40bar (data rec. 10min)
6) Increase pressure to
48bar (data rec. 30min)
7) Decrease pressure to
25bar (data rec. 10min)
8) Increase pressure to
40bar (data rec. 10min)
9) Increase pressure to
48bar (data rec. 30min)
10) Increase pressure to
60bar (data rec. 60min)
Thank you for your attention