Integrity NDT Ltd. has performed what is believed to be the first in-service TOFD (Time of Flight Diffraction) Inspection on a LPG Sphere in a Turkish Refinery, utilizing the Integrity I-Scan semi-automated UT Scanner system and Rope Access technicians.  The Inspection was carried out with the vessel ‘on-line’ and was completed in 7 days. All vessel shell construction welds were inspected and data gathered, analysed and stored in the multi-channel Ultrasonic Time-of-flight-diffraction computer.

The TOFD Method replaced acoustic emission testing and internal MPI/UT and gave-up detailed information regarding the size and length of several defect indications at the internal surface of the sphere. This enabled the client to make strategic commercial and engineering decisions regarding continued operation and future repair strategies, without the cost and risk of taking the tank out of service…according to the client inspection manager, the overall cost was ‘80% cheaper than previous inspection budgets without the same risks to plant and personnel’.

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