Ultrasonic pipe testing
[edit] Introduction
Changes in building occupation patterns, and the ambitious plans for green recovery stated in governments recent announcements, are prompting organisations to stage plans for refurbishment of their buildings.
Although not at the forefront for refurbishment-related decision taking, a well-maintained and safe pipework system is a key component of success in achieving a building’s refurbishment targets. Healthy pipework is also a prerequisite for any building to function well and to prevent heating and water system failures through pro-active maintenance.
[edit] The need to monitor
Over time, corrosion and erosion of pipes lead to leakages that can cause wide ranging damage to the building structure and have costly consequences for businesses.
Ultrasonic thickness testing of pipework systems is often used to determine the condition of the pipework. It is useful to consultants or contractors to validate the state of the existing system they are going to work on, to justify replacement or reuse.
Ultrasonic testing is a non-invasive survey and can be done using a portable meter to provide wall thickness results for pipework. It helps determine the condition of the pipework non-destructively and provides sanity checks on existing systems when new works are planned or after a failure has occurred.
Ultrasonic testing is also an important part of a preventive maintenance strategy to keep systems safe from leakage, as, when performed regularly, it provides valuable information about the trends in the system's history which helps proactive maintenance regimes.
While ultrasonic testing is a relatively simple measuring process, it takes experience and good corrosion and water system knowledge to know where to test and how to understand and use the obtained data.
This article was originally published on the BSRIA website as "Ultrasonic pipe testing gives a quick but meaningful view on the state of a building’s pipework." in December 2020.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
IHBC’s response to Parliamentary Committee
On Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill.
Finalists for 2022 CIOB Awards revealed
Over 70 managers and organisations shortlisted for the 14 awards.
Types of building sensors on BD
From biometric to electrical current, chemical and more.
Government mandates detectors in rented homes
Changes are due to come into force on 1st October 2022.
80% of major government projects are rated red or amber
Heed advice and insight of this report IPA tells the government.
The end of the games but continued calls for action
From the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
CIOB respond to the government call for evidence
For the Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee.
How are buildings and their occupants responding to extreme heat?
BSRIA's Technical Director reflects on recent weather patterns.
Landownership in England in 1909
A national valuation to fund old-age pensions.
The world’s largest Commonwealth memorial to the missing.
Long after the end of the defects liability period.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing in buildings.
Geometric form and buildings in brief
From the simple to the complex.
Understanding the changing nature of insulation
And the UK Government guidelines.
Three year action plan to improve equity, diversity and inclusion
Commitment agreed to by major built environment bodies.
The Construction Route – what needs to change?
Electrical skills, low carbon, high-tech and the building services revolution.
Deep geothermal power possibilities
Ultra-deep drilling with millimeter-wave beam technology.
BSRIA Briefing 2022- From the outside looking in
Looking at the built environment from space.
Competence requirements for principal contractors and designers
BSI standards 8671, 8672 and 8673.
Bringing life to burial grounds.
From failed modernism to twenty-minute neighbourhoods.
Design chill and design freeze
The gates process and change control.