Pipeline Inspection for Power Generation
Condition Assessment Identifies High-Risk Water Pipelines
Steady and secure water supply and discharge is critical for the day-to- day function of any power plant. A failure in any water line could result in partial or total interruption of generation capacity. PPIC, a global leader in pipeline inspection, provides a complete solution for power plant water pipelines.
PPIC's Power Plant Piping Program is a full service solution for all of your water pipelines. Combining PPIC’s patented condition assessment technologies and partner services, the program reduces the risk of pipeline failure by identifying and rehabilitating areas of concern.
This strategic approach to pipeline maintenance provides cost savings, visibility on budget and resource planning, and peace of mind by customizing condition assessment programs that include:
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Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP)
PCCP has a unique failure mechanism: high strength steel pre-stressing wires that provide strength to the pipe can become distressed and reduce the structural integrity of the pipe. Broken wires can be caused by physical damage to the pipe, corrosion, or hydrogen embrittlement. Regions of broken wires may be accompanied by leaks, especially in pipelines smaller than 48 inches in diameter, where the internal steel cylinder corrodes at the same rate as the wires or where water escaping through the joint encourages corrosion.
Bar-Wrapped Pipe (BWP)
In BWP, the cylinder plays a much larger role in the structural integrity of the pipe. BWP is essentially a steel pipe that is stiffened with steel reinforcing bars; hence the failure mechanism of BWP tends to be the same as a steel pipe. Unlike LCP and other prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) where failure typically involves a bursting of the pipe due to broken wires, the failure of BWP typically involves leaking due to a hole in the cylinder. This may be in the form of a flowing leak, or a weeping leak depending on the condition of the concrete lining.
Steel Pipe
Steel pipe primarily fails due to loss of integrity at welds, or external corrosion causing severe pitting and weakening of the pipe wall. The loss of joint integrity and through-wall corrosion pits can both lead to leakage long before failure. Older steel pipes in aggressive environments, such as nuclear power generation plants, have been known to sustain high levels of leakage before ultimately failing.
Featured Projects
The Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) is a world leader in large diameter water pipeline condition assessment for the power generation industry. Our forward-looking solutions help clients address aging infrastructure challenges in a reliable and cost effective manner. Over the past decade, we have inspected more than 6,500 miles of critical municipal and industrial pipeline, and completed 100 power projects.
Location: North East, USA
Size of Facility: Approximately 3,700 MW
Situation: In order to determine if the line should be
replaced, PPIC was called in to inspect over 8 miles
of 42” raw water PCCP pipeline in a power plant that
services over 2.5 million consumers.
Technology Utilized: Acoustic Emission Testing (AET)
Outcome: Distress was localized to specific areas.
Engineering staff decided to replace the line.
Location: North East, USA
Size of Facility: Approximately 8,000 MW
Situation: To determine the size and location of
a known leak, PPIC was hired to inspect over 400
feet of critical 30” steel pipe at a plant that services
approximately 5.5 million consumers.
Technology Utilized: Sahara® Leak Detection
Outcome: The leak was successfully localized and
repair plans were identified.
Location: South West, USA
Size of Facility: Approximately 4,000 MW
Situation: In a proactive move, PPIC was called in to
perform a condition assessment of multiple PCCP lines.
Over a ten year period, nearly 120 miles have been
inspected as part of this project.
Technology Utilized: RFTC
Outcome: The plant was able to minimize the amount
of money spent on rehabilitating pipeline assets.
Location: South West, USA
Size of Facility: Approximately 4,000 MW
Situation: PPIC was called in to perform a condition assessment on
1.2 miles of 36” bar-wrapped pipe at a separate location operated by
the previously mentioned south west power plant.
Technology Utilized: RFTC
Outcome: No pipes were identified as being distressed and the
customer was able to have confidence in the line.
Location: South, USA
Size of Facility: Approximately 4,500 MW
Situation: In order to sucessfully move a heavy transformer over a
section of pipe, this power plant needed to accurately determine the
condition of 1 mile of 108” PCCP pipe.
Technology Utilized: RFTC
Outcome: It was discovered that there were several heavily-distressed
pipes along the line. The pipes were isolated so heavy equipment
would not drive over the distressed sections and cause expensive
damage.
Location: North Central, USA
Size of Facility: Approximately 8,000 MW
Situation: Due to tritium concerns, PPIC was called in to perform
a condition assessment which would prove that a line of 48” PCCP
was leak-tight. Over 5 miles were inspected.
Technology Utilized: Sahara® Leak Detection
Outcome: No leaks were detected. Using a test setup, PPIC
identified “manufactured” leaks as small as 1.5 gpm.
Location: South East, USA
Size of Facility: Approximately 3,000 MW
Situation: After accepting a position at this power plant, the
engineer who designed the cooling system wanted a condition
assessment of his pipelines to ensure their reliability.
Technology Utilized: Sahara® Leak Detection
Outcome: NThere were no indications of distress in any pipes; the
customer was reassured that the line was in top condition.
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Contact PPIC today to find out how we can help you to assess the condition of your pipeline infrastructure at your power generation station.