Condition monitoring of components, e.g. choke valves in sub-sea oil pipelines

摘要

In the condition monitoring of components in sub-sea oil pipelines, particles (4T) detached from the relevant component (2) are measured. An Independent claim is included for the apparatus for carrying out the test, comprising one or more detectors located at the outlet (4A) of the valve. Each has an electrical supply line (7), and a signal line (6) connected to a signal analysis unit. Preferred Features: The components are locally-radioactive, a detector (3) registering the particles released. Radioactive tracer particles and/or a chemical compound are embedded in the wall of the valves, released particles being detected and/or reaction products from the chemical compound being measured. In the apparatus, particles with a half life of at least 4 years, are embedded in chambers (4K) in the confining wall of the valve. Salt(s), e.g. CuSO4, NiSO4 or NiCl2 are embedded in the wall. The detector comprises an ionizing counter or analysis apparatus.