Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
(OP)
I'm working on a peoject where a building ran for over 30 years without a water softening system. Pipe sample has been taken and there is considerable calcification of pipes. The system now has a softener, but there is (I am assuming) a lot of pipe that has severely compromised flow. I'm looking for the best method to make recommendations on how much of the pipe should be replaced. I have read articles about ultrasonic detection, but have yet to find any field test devices.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?





RE: Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
RE: Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
I think that pipe samples at various locations will be enough to get a good idea of what can be salvaged. A better solution would be some non-destructive method that would enable me to check everything at much lower cost and consequence.
RE: Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
Also you might try a pipe camera. You can rent one of these too.
RE: Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
BigInch
-born in the trenches.
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com
RE: Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
Stephen Argles
Land & Marine
www.landandmarine.com
RE: Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
I'm a great fan of looking for real time solutions, can I suggest you look at the following link of pipe scanning
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It will help in determining how much of a problem there is
RE: Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
It looks like you have something else going on by the looks of the deposit on the brass valve.
If you see anything on a couple of shots I would take the inspection money and apply it to the cost of chemical cleaning.
Here is a very good chemical cleaner, Rydlyme. I would give these people a call.
http://www.rydlyme.com/home.html
RE: Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
Without the diameter of the pipe bore, you don't have a volumetric flow rate.
Or, am I missing something?
"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
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RE: Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
I don't know if radiography will reveal anything on the ID. I would check into it as unclesyd suggested. Call up a radiography outfit in your area and discuss it with them. I think some types of ultrasonic inspection will detect buildup on pipe ID too - your radiographer should know that also. So you need to look in your area for an x-ray/non-destructive inspection company.
Buildup on the valve is probably leakage from the bonnet or stem packing.
RE: Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
However- given the level of scale in the (random?) sample you have above- I'd look at cleaning the piping system. Beign a hospital you will need to be very careful to do it a section at a time and isolate/clean/flush the subsections.
RE: Non destructive method to detect calcification in pipes?
Where was the "leak" on those tanks awhile back?
BigInch
-born in the trenches.
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com