GRI nondestructive evaluation program: Pipeline simulation facility development. Annual report, January-December 1991

The Gas Research Institute Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Program has been established to advance the state-of-the-art in gas pipeline inspection technology. As a part of the overall GRI NDE program, the Pipeline Simulation Facility (PSF), is being developed at Battelle Columbus Operations. The first element of the PSF is an NDE laboratory and linear test rig (LTR), which provide facilities for detailed analytical modeling and carefully controlled sensor experiments in a laboratory setting. The second element is a pull rig, which is an outdoor facility for developing improved NDE technology systems for ILI tools. The pull rig includes 300-foot lengths of 12, 24, 30, and 36-inch-diameter pipe, which will contain controlled defects. The third element, the flow loop, is a planned outdoor facility that will fully support research and development on ILI tools under conditions that simulate a real-world operating pipeline. The loop will provide a 4700-foot long, 24-inch-diameter pipeline where both pressure and flow velocity can be controlled to a desire setpoint. The flow loop is planned for 1995 operation.