Digital Radiography Pulsed X-Ray

Customer:

Anonymous

Location:

United Kingdom

Markets:

Oil & Gas

Scope:

Bilfinger UK's Inspection Department were tasked to inspect small bore connections (Weldolets) within the sub-gas tight ﬂoor of a leg of an oﬀshore platform to determine whether any internal corrosion was evident.

This work scope had several challenges:

The area was a conﬁned space, with access only permitted if full air fed breathing apparatus is worn
There was very restricted access to the site, and a third party carrying out the work positioning, using a conventional gamma ray source was ruled out
A new approach was required in order to complete this inspection

Services:

Inspection

We identiﬁed that a ‘pulsed’ X-ray system would be the most suitable technique for the scope. Special low dose X-ray systems could be used in conjunction with digital radiography detectors to provide instant high-quality digital images. This approach also reduced safety risk signiﬁcantly. The technology is intrinsically safe when powered down, so after installation it can be operated remotely. This meant there was no requirement for radiography on ropes, reducing risk to personnel, as well as eliminating the risk of emergency source retrieval.

We researched and developed this technique, collaborating with manufacturers and suppliers of specialist systems to ensure the correct conﬁguration of equipment, before ratifying the new technology with regulators. Once approved, we then created an identical sample to the area being inspected for training purposes. Supplementary equipment to aid scope delivery was also fabricated.

Tailoring a unique procedure to suit this technique allayed any concerns the client had regarding access and safety, whilst providing high-quality images instantly for review, providing eﬃciency gains and reducing costs.

Added value:

This technique will be further developed and oﬀered to clients where, for example, SIMOPS proves to be problematic when trying to conclude critical inspection activities.

Provides clients with data to make decisions about future maintenance work
New technology addressed many of the challenges experienced when carrying out traditional radiography in a conﬁned space
Minimum impact
Reduced risk to personnel
Reduced requirement for rope access
Can be set up in hazardous environments
No risk of emergency source retrieval
Cost and time savings compared to conventional radiography
Ability to review live telemetry data