Long Range Ultrasonic Testing (LRUT)

Long range ultrasonic testing provides rapid screening

for corrosion and erosion in pipelines.
Long range ultrasonic testing (LRUT), also known as guided wave ultrasonic testing,
is a fast and cost-effective method for inspecting long lengths of pipe. Intertek
specialises in using LRUT at oil and gas refineries and in the downstream
processing sector.
Hundreds of metres of pipe can be screened in one day from one single location and
the technique can inspect 100% of the pipe wall. LRUT can be performed on piping
that is in operation, insulated and buried, and in areas that are difficult to access
such as those at high elevations. The method can therefore save time and money
that would otherwise be spent on excavation, insulation removal and scaffolding.
A ring of transducers is fitted around the pipeline and the transducers generate and
receive low frequency ultrasonic guided waves along the pipe. The returning echoes
indicate defects such as corrosion and other abnormalities.
The benefits of long range ultrasonic testing include:

Screening long lengths of pipe at one time

Inspection of 100% of the pipe

Detection of corrosion and erosion under insulation of pipes

Analysis of pipes at difficult-access locations, such as wall penetrations, road

crossings and buried sites

Screening of on and offshore pipework, even in tightly packed racks

Riser inspection

Our inspectors are highly experienced in using LRUT and are ASNT/CSWIP Level I
or II and qualified; they can provide you with an accurate assessment of the
condition of your pipelines.
By choosing Intertek for your long range ultrasonic testing, you have the confidence

that your maintenance schedules will be met and you will benefit from our in-depth
knowledge of surveying pipelines and detecting defects. Our reports will provide the
necessary information for you to make decisions regarding pipeline asset
management.
In addition, Intertek can provide the qualitative non-destructive inspections that may
be required to investigate the full extent of the defects found by long range ultrasonic
testing.

LRUT (Long Range Ultrasonic Testing)

Long range ultrasonic testing is a rapid way of screening for corrosion in
pipelines. The method enables screening of up to 100 meters of pipeline in one
test, i.e. 50 meters in both directions.
By fitting a ring of transducers around the pipeline, a wave maker device directs low frequency (20-100 kHz)
ultrasonic waves via the transducers, longitudinally into the pipeline wall. The method effectively detects changes
in the pipelines cross-section, enabling it to indentify corrosion and other abnormalities. At the same time this
provides the possibility of using welds and flanges as distance references.
Inspecta has qualified experts in using this method to help you get a cost-effective report on the condition of your
pipelines.
The test results are displayed in an easy-to-interpret visual interface on a laptop computer enabling us to draw
conclusions quickly and correctly. Upon identifying a defect we carry out follow-up detailed testing of the affected
area, using complementary ultrasonic or x-ray methods.
With this highly advanced testing method you will get an accurate status report of your pipelines in the most
effective way.
Benefits of long range ultrasonic testing

More than 100 times faster than traditional ultrasonic methods

Up to 100 meters screening distance on pipelines above ground

Up to 10 meters screening distance on pipelines buried in the ground

Possibility to do sub-sea scanning

Saves time since there is no need to remove insulation, apart from 1 meter for the transducer ring.

Easy to screen wall penetrating pipelines (both built-in and sleeved penetrations)