Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing for Inspection of LNG Storage Tank

Abstract

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is liquefied at -162°C at atmospheric pressure and stored in the inner shell. Due to the transport and storage characteristics of such low temperature conditions, 9% high nickel steel, which shows excellent strength and toughness even at low temperatures, is used for the inner wall. On the other hand, the base material of the inner wall has a tempered martensite structure, whereas the weld metal has an Inconel- based austenite structure with high damping properties in acoustics. Also, the weld metal is composed of an anisotropic structure completely different from the base material. These are considered obstacles in non-destructive testing. We applied automated phased array ultrasonic testing(PAUT) as a replacement of radiographic testing in inspection of LNG storage tank. To obtain the reference value data, a reference specimen for each thickness was prepared, and an automatic scanning device was designed and manufactured. Also, a customized phased array(PA) probe was developed and applied. All parts are integrated and operated as one system, and the data is analyzed and stored through an operating program developed in-house. The current system has proven its performance through field application to a much-improved level in the existing scanning device, probe and application method. In conclusion, it was proved that our technology can be commercialized by showing excellent detection ability.