Non-Destructive Examination of Underground Pressure Vessels Using Acoustic Emission (AE) Techniques

The methodology of Acoustic Emission (AE) for detecting and monitoring damages, cracks and leaks in different structures is widely used and has earned a reputation recently as one of the most reliable and well-established technique in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Besides evaluation of fracture behavior, crack propagation and fatigue detection in metals, composites, wood, fiberglass, ceramics and plastics; it can also be used for detecting faults and pressure leaks in pressure vessels, tanks and pipes. As a relatively “clean” form of energy, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is widely used for industrial applications and domestic heating. Periodic inspection of buried tanks used for LPG storage is complicated and limited because of their underground location. This situation prevents “conventional” NDT techniques from being used. So, AE testing which fulfills all safety requirements, is the most appropriate and cost-effective technique that can be used for periodic inspection and proof testing. In addition of a general presentation on the AE technology and its applications, this study provides comprehensive evaluation of AE testing techniques of underground LPG tanks during service in accordance with TS EN standards. Some epresentative results and data obtained from a performed AE test are also provided.