EngD student, 2016 intake

University: University of Bristol

Sponsoring company: PII Pipeline Solutions, a GE Oil & Gas and Al Shaheen joint venture

Background: Masters in Mechanical Engineering (2016), University of Bristol

The goal of this EngD project is to investigate the feasibility of an on-board data acquisition decision making tool integrated with Full Matrix Capture (FMC) capabilities, optimised for specific oil pipeline ‘pig’ constraints. Based on results obtained through application of the latest ultrasonic array data processing algorithms, a strategy will be suggested for the potential upgrade of existing devices and practices. The main trade-offs of interest are inspection speed against signal data quality, accuracy and volume. The key objectives of the project are to:

–  Optimise the detection and characterisation of defects through static experiments, comparing the results of conventional industry techniques to those yielded by latest research in the field.
– Through modelling, characterise a range of suitable properties for the ‘pig’ array transducers to enable improved data acquisition and defect detection.
–  Using full scale testing with the newly established processes, define the basis for the on-board decision making to store or discard certain data.