Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing structural screening

• US 20110106457A1
• Filed: 11/21/2005
• Published: 05/05/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Jaarah, Mohammed, Gao, Ming, McNealy, Richard C.
• Application Number:
  US11/285,337
• Publication Number:
  US 20110106457A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/39
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/0258 Structural degradation, e.g. fatigue of composites, ageing of oils
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 29/043 in the interior, e.g. by shear waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 29/4427 with stored values, e.g. threshold values

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing structural screening. Methods include applying pre-defined filter criteria to measurements resulting from an inspected structure operable for eliminating measurement data falling below a designated threshold. Methods further include identifying a baseline defect size associated with the inspected structure. The baseline defect size indicates a largest defect capable of being undetected during inspection. Methods also include identifying tolerance levels relating to the inspected structures factoring in the baseline defect size and attributes of the inspected structure, comparing results of the applying pre-defined filter criteria with tolerance levels identified, and determining a risk of cracking for the inspected structure based upon the comparing.

Claims

1. A method for performing structural screening, comprising:

applying pre-defined filter criteria to measurements resulting from an inspected structure, the applying pre-defined filter criteria operable for eliminating measurement data falling below a designated threshold;

identifying a baseline defect size associated with the inspected structure, the baseline defect size indicating a largest defect capable of being undetected during inspection;

identifying tolerance levels relating to the inspected structure, the tolerance levels factoring in the baseline defect size and attributes of the inspected structure; and

comparing results of the applying pre-defined filter criteria with tolerance levels identified and determining a risk of cracking for the inspected structure based upon the comparing.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-defined filter criteria include at least one of length, signal overlap, absolute amplitude, relative amplitude, left sensor count, and right sensor count.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the baseline defect size is identified by length and width.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the baseline defect size represents a largest defect that is undetectable by an ultrasonic inspection tool.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the baseline defect size is modified according to selected limits of detection and a selected level of confidence.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying tolerance levels is accomplished by performing a fracture mechanics evaluation on the attributes of the inspected structure including determining combinations of sizes, fracture toughness, and operating pressures that are capable of withstanding crack defects coinciding with the baseline defect size.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the attributes of the inspected structure include at least one of size, composition, and applied operating pressure.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the inspected structure is at least one of:

a gas pipeline;

a liquid pipeline;

a steam pipeline;

a pipe; and

a conduit.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the defect subject to the screening includes colonies of cracks formed in the structure.

10. A system for performing structural screening, comprising:

a host system in communication with a storage device, the storage device housing measurements resulting from an inspected structure, pre-defined filter criteria, and attributes of the inspected structure; and

a structural analysis application executing on the host system, the structural analysis application performing;

applying the pre-defined filter criteria to the measurements operable for eliminating measurement data falling below a designated threshold;

identifying a baseline defect size associated with the inspected structure, the baseline defect size indicating a largest defect capable of being undetected during inspection;

identifying tolerance levels relating to the inspected structure, the tolerance levels factoring in the baseline defect size and the attributes; and

comparing results of the applying the pre-defined filter criteria with tolerance levels identified and determining a risk of cracking for the inspected structure based upon the comparing.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the pre-defined filter criteria include at least one of length, signal overlap, absolute amplitude, relative amplitude, left sensor count, and right sensor count.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the baseline defect size is identified by length and width.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the baseline defect size represents a largest defect that is undetectable by an ultrasonic inspection tool.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the baseline defect size is modified according to selected limits of detection and a selected level of confidence.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the identifying tolerance levels is accomplished by performing a fracture mechanics evaluation on the inspected structure including determining combinations of sizes, fracture toughness, and operating pressures that are capable of withstanding crack defects coinciding with the baseline defect size.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the attributes of the inspected structure include at least one of size, composition, and applied operating pressure.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the inspected structure is at least one of:

a gas pipeline;

a liquid pipeline;

a steam pipeline;

a pipe; and

a conduit.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the defect subject to the screening includes colonies of cracks formed in the structure.