Guided-wave MsS technology to detect corrosion in fuel oil piping and boiler reheater tubing

摘要

To prevent forced outages, utility maintenance crews routinely inspect boiler tubes and various piping systems during normal scheduled outages. However, the various nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques currently used for these inspections require expensive preparation and are time-consuming. As a result, they cannot be used for comprehensive inspection, but can only be used for limited inspection of sampled areas. Recent laboratory studies and a utility field demonstration indicate that a new technology―called long-range guided-wave magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) technology―could be used as an economic inspection tool to compile comprehensive information on long lengths of power plant piping or tubing. The technology, which was developed by Southwest Research Institute, offers the potential to conduct complete inspections, rather than sampling, and without the need to remove insulation or perform other extensive preparations.