Cryogenic Tanks
Tanks,
pipes and vessels operated at very low temperature, eg - cryogenic temperatures
between -10oC and -280oC - pose different problems for the owners and
operators of such equipment. One basic rule is "when the structure has
reached operating temperature, do not allow it to return to ambient
temperature". If the structure is oscillated through such thermal conditions,
each major oscillation can reduce the structure's safe working life
by as much as ten years. Access to these vessels is often difficult,
as many have twin walls, protective bund walls, various types of insulation
techniques and even include being buried. Acoustic emission techniques
are well suited to these applications and can be used for regular inspection
and vessel integrity evaluation. With data from a series of tests, an
estimate of the remnant life of the vessel is possible. Since plant
and equipment which operates in cryogenic conditions are subjected to
sometimes unsuspected applied stresses, these structures benefit from
long-term or permanent monitoring. Using the latest Metacoustics techniques,
this is now a realistic economic and technical reality.
