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The 4 Best Nondestructive Inspection Methods for Corrosion Under Insulation

By Jason De Silveira
Published: January 31, 2019
Key Takeaways

Nondestructive testing plays an enormous role in detecting and preventing the scourge of CUI, and each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

The difficulties and expense of looking for and preventing the very common but elusive problem of corrosion under insulation (CUI) is widely known and well documented.

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CUI is hard to find because it’s hidden under the insulation and there are substantial costs and logistical issues involved in removing the coverings, inspecting the piping and then reinstating the coverings. Even cutting plugs in the covering and testing those is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, plus there may be further complications if asbestos is identified and needs to be safely removed. (For an introduction to CUI, read Corrosion Under Insulation: The Challenge and Need for Insulation.)

Nondestructive Inspections for Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI)

Numerous nondestructive testing methods are used to inspect for CUI, which is often only detected when it is fairly advanced and fluid is visibly leaking. Naturally, industries prefer technologies that enable inspection without necessitating the removal of the insulation coverings. (Learn more about the advantages in Why Non-intrusive Inspection (NII) is Such an Effective Process for Corrosion Management.) As a rule, the various testing methods aren’t used on their own but are combined to complement one another and achieve the best outcome.

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Here are four of the best inspection methods for CUI.

Visual Inspection

Visual inspection is the simplest and most obvious method, which involves removing the covering (either partially or wholly), visually examining the surface for any signs of corrosion or damage and then replacing the insulation. It is effective but the downside is that it is expensive and engineers are only able to inspect the outer areas of the piping for defects and not the internal space. Insulation may also need to be replaced, adding to the overall cost. The process must be done carefully and properly otherwise the integrity of the structure may be compromised with the additional risk of contamination.

Radiography

Radiography is another common CUI inspection method. This X-ray technology is used in a variety of ways, such as real-time radiography (RTR), computed radiography (CR) and digital detector arrays (DDA). There are pros and cons to each method, and the suitability depends on the particular application. For example, a CR instrument is only suitable when there is access to both sides of the component under test, whereas DDA devices, which although they are more accurate and have less image distortion, are limited to small structures and their performance decreases as the pipe diameter increases.

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Each operates on the principle of X-rays providing a view of a pipe’s diameter profile through the insulation and highlighting areas of change or thickness, which can indicate a build-up of corrosion. Advanced software and digital imaging enables images to be viewed in real-time and enhanced to give operators the best possible view. Other advantages include portability, fast analysis, traceability and digital archiving.

Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UT)

Ultrasonic thickness measurement (UT) is an effective, highly accurate and versatile remote visual inspection technique that is widely used in many industries. It works on the principle of the movement of ultrasound waves, and can measure wall thickness through a variety of linings and coatings. Another advantage is that it only requires access to one side of the component under test. But there are drawbacks; inspection is limited to small areas and calibration for each different material is required.

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Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC)

Pulsed eddy current (PEC) uses electromagnetic waves to determine the wall thickness of any material that conducts electricity. This method deliver a high degree of accuracy even though the probes don’t require contact with the test surface, but because the technology only provides an average wall thickness it is generally only used as a screening technique and not for detecting isolated areas of corrosion. PEC can only be used on carbon steel and low-alloy steel constructions, which limits the scope of its applications.

Summary

This is a very broad overview of the various inspection methods for corrosion under insulation, and any decision on the most appropriate technology – or combination of technologies – for a specific application warrants much closer examination and understanding. (Related reading: How to Select the Best Value Monitoring and Testing Tools.) There’s no doubt that nondestructive testing plays an enormous role in detecting and preventing the scourge of CUI and each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

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Written by Jason De Silveira

Jason De Silveira

Jason De Silveira is the director of Nexxis. Nexxis carries a wide range of high-quality, non-destructive testing and remote visual inspection equipment and is able to work out a flexible, needs-driven solution that suits any operational requirements or budget. Based in Western Australia, Nexxis delivers worldwide.

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