M.E.S electronics plant had encountered with an incident where a water pipe had leaked in the Process area. The owner took a proactive approach to investigate the piping condition and had requested TKS to conduct necessary investigation and audit to check the system’s integrity. PowerQ was called upon to assist TKS to inspect hundreds of meters in several buildings at the site.
The objective of the work was to:
An on-site inspection of all the piping services equipments at Plant and Production area. Where applicable, we refer to relevant codes such as ANSI/API570 (Piping Inspection Code: Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Re-rating of In-Service Piping Systems) to inspect the piping.
100% visual check at accessible areas to locate any abnormalities such as leaks, cracks, pits and abnormal condition of support and hangers without removing the piping.
Visual inspection of the cut-out piping where leakage occurred and separate condition testing was performed in Japan by Taikisha. Visual inspection shows no internal deposit or pitting of copper pipe.
Random Thickness test was carried out by Certified NDT professional at the location identified by PowerQ Inspection Team. This measuring system is employed to inspect the pipelines corrosion that reduces wall thickness and may eventually lead to cracks leading to potential disastrous consequences.
Visual pipe line inspection was aided by equipments such as magnifying glass, measuring tape, vernier calipers, mirrors, high beam torch light and digital camera. Identification shall be given to tested locations and referred from relevant drawings.
Findings and Recommendations:
Several anomalies related to installation and mechanical damage to piping were identified. There were spots of water marks on ceiling board which was probably due to droplets from water condensation. However, there were no leakages on copper piping.
The thickness testing should be viewed as a first step to determine general condition in water piping. It was found that there is no appreciable loss of wall thickness and the copper pipe are not corroded internally.