TCR Engineering's Pipeline Inspection for Anomalies services are designed to detect defects and discontinuities in pipelines using advanced radiographic and ultrasonic testing methods. By employing tools like internal crawler robots, external X-ray/gamma radiation, and automated ultrasonic testing, we can inspect pipelines with precision, ensuring their integrity and safe operation. Our comprehensive approach adheres to relevant industry standards like API 1104, guaranteeing reliable results that help our clients mitigate risks and maintain pipeline health.
 
Automated Radiographic Testing (ART) of Circumferential Butt Welds from Internal Pipelines Using Crawlers
Automated Radiographic Testing (ART) involves the use of high-resolution imaging technology to inspect circumferential butt welds inside pipelines. We deploy specially designed crawler robots that travel inside the pipeline to scan welds with precision. This method allows for internal inspections where external access may be limited or challenging. ART is particularly useful for large-diameter pipelines and provides a comprehensive evaluation of weld integrity, enabling the detection of both surface and subsurface defects.
​
External X-Ray or Gamma Ray Radiation for Detection of Surface and Subsurface Defects in Welds
For pipelines where internal access is restricted, External Radiographic Testing using X-ray or gamma-ray technology is applied. This method enables the detection of both surface and subsurface anomalies in pipeline welds. The process works by emitting radiation through the weld area, capturing images of any defects that may compromise the structural integrity of the pipeline. This non-invasive testing technique is ideal for pipelines that must remain operational during inspection and complies with API 1104 standards for welding inspections.

Computed Radiography

TCR Engineering has strong expertise in Computed Radiography (CR) as per ASTM E 2033 and ISO 17636-2 which is an advanced form of radiographic inspection that uses imaging plates (IP) instead of traditional X-ray films to capture images of pipeline welds. These plates, coated with phosphor, store the radiographic image when exposed to X-rays or gamma rays. The stored image is then read by a laser scanner and converted into a digital image, which can be viewed, analyzed, and archived electronically. The adoption of Computed Radiography (CR) in the inspection of cross-country pipelines offers numerous advantages over conventional radiography testing, from improved image quality and faster turnaround times to enhanced environmental safety and cost-effectiveness. 

UT Shear-Wave Anomaly Evaluation, Phased Array (PaUT) and ToFD for Seam-Weld Scanning
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is used to detect anomalies like cracks, lack of fusion, and other discontinuities in seam welds. The shear-wave UT technique is particularly effective for identifying these anomalies by introducing ultrasonic waves at an angle to the weld seam.

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PaUT): PaUT provides a more detailed and dynamic evaluation of welds by using multiple ultrasonic beams, which can be steered, focused, and scanned electronically. This allows for greater coverage and sensitivity to defects, making it ideal for inspecting complex geometries.
​
Time-of-Flight Diffraction (ToFD): ToFD complements PaUT by detecting and sizing defects using the diffraction of ultrasonic waves. It is highly accurate for locating crack tips and providing a quantitative assessment of defect size. The combination of PaUT and ToFD ensures a thorough evaluation of seam welds, with high sensitivity to both small and large anomalies.
​
Automated Ultrasonic Testing and LRUT/Guided Wave Including A/B/C-Scans as per API 1104
Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) and Long-Range Ultrasonic Testing (LRUT), also known as Guided Wave Testing, are powerful tools for pipeline inspection, particularly in situations where accessing the entire pipeline is impractical. LRUT allows for the inspection of long sections of pipeline from a single access point, making it cost-effective for detecting corrosion, cracks, and other anomalies over large distances. A/B/C-scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the pipe’s wall thickness and defect locations, ensuring comprehensive evaluation as per API 1104 standards for pipeline welding.

• A-Scan: Displays the amplitude of received ultrasonic signals, helping identify the depth of defects.

• B-Scan: Provides a side-view image of the pipeline, showing the thickness of the walls and the presence of defects.

• C-Scan: Gives a plan-view image of the pipeline, mapping the location and extent of anomalies across the pipeline's surface.
   

Weld Assessment of Difficult-to-Access, Small Diameter Pipes (1.5” to 3.5”) Using Palm Scanner
For pipelines with smaller diameters (1.5” to 3.5”), weld inspection becomes more challenging due to space constraints. TCR Engineering employs specialized palm scanners that are designed for these hard-to-reach areas. These handheld scanners use high-frequency ultrasonic waves to inspect welds in small-diameter pipes, ensuring comprehensive coverage even in difficult-to-access locations. This method allows for the detection of anomalies like incomplete fusion, porosity, and cracking that can compromise the integrity of small-diameter pipelines.