The pipelines are constructed to transport liquids and gases over long distances in economic and safe conditions. In general, pipelines transport crude oil, processed petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel or jet fuel, natural gas, carbon dioxide, concentrated solids in liquid and purified water.
Periodical control of pipelines operating under pressure in workplaces, factories and plants is important for human health. Failure to perform controls may have negative effects. If you do not get into trouble and your production process does not interfere, make periodic checks to ensure occupational health and safety. Periodic control of pipelines, pressure and high temperature pipelines operating at certain intervals checks, authorized persons and institutions should be periodically checked according to the regulation.
The first pipeline transportation was established in the second half of the 1800 to transport oil from major oil fields in the United States. These first pipelines were made of wood. However, as oil exploration and refining technologies developed, the first steel pipes began to be used at the end of 1800s. Today, pipelines are mostly used for natural gas transportation. The thickness of the pipelines used today is very thin, but the strength is very high. The diameter of the pipes reaches 60 inches and is capable of carrying over long distances. In general, welded pipes are used in long pipelines. Strength, abrasion, high temperature or low temperature, dynamic loads and weldability are important factors in material selection.
Hydrostatic tests are the most difficult stage when constructing pipelines. The required pressure is obtained by filling a certain part of the line with water and the pipe is held at this pressure for a certain time. The length of the portions to be tested is determined by conditions, but it is preferred to keep it short to obtain the required pressure.
All these explanations show that pipelines are systems operating under high pressure and if they are not regularly checked, they create a risk for life and property safety.
These tanks are included in the pressure vessels and installations group in accordance with the Regulation on Health and Safety in the Use of Work Equipment issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Therefore, they should be checked and examined at least once a year. According to the regulation, the tests should be performed by hydrostatic methods, but if the hydrostatic tests cannot be performed due to the compulsory conditions or the characteristics of the work equipment, then the non-destructive testing methods described in the standards are applied.
