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Summary

The University of Minnesota (UMN) wanted to assess their underground distribution system to evaluate corrosion degradation. The underground system is composed of a buried “pipe within a pipe” system similar to Ric-Will or Perma-Pipe type construction. Since the system is direct buried, examination with conventional wall thickness ultrasonic probes is not possible. UMN contracted with Structural Integrity Associates (SI) to inspect selected building penetrations and manhole vaults to manhole vaults using Guided Wave Technology (GWT). The inspection results were evaluated for corrosion wall loss. This joint presenter presentation will give a history and background on the steam system and dual campus of the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul and Minneapolis campus, discuss the GWT technology and provide the inspection results and lessons learned.

Session: Thermal Distribution Workshop

Speakers

David Christiansen, University of Minnesota
Joseph Maciejczyk, Structural Integrity Associates