UltraAnalytix NDT informs FRP asset relining decisions at pulp and paper mills

Chlorine dioxide, used to bleach pulp, is particularly corrosive and often results in loss of FRP thickness. Two UTComp case studies on non-destructive testing (NDT) of FRP equipment at pulp and paper mills in Canada demonstrate the benefit of UltraAnalytix^®  inspection for data-driven asset management decisions.

NDT inspection of upflow towers at a pulp and paper mill in Ontario

The bottom cone section of the hardwood upflow tower.

A pulp and paper mill in Ontario had questions about two bleaching upflow towers: one for softwood pulp and one for hardwood pulp. Both were fabricated in 1996, and have been relined internally due to visual identification of corrosion barrier damage by a previous inspector.

Both upflow towers were scheduled for relining during the October 2017 plant shutdown. UTComp was hired to inspect the upflow towers in advance of the scheduled plant shutdown to determine whether the work could be postponed with minimal risk to the operation. UltraAnalytix inspection results showed that the thickness and condition of the FRP in a pulp bleaching vessel were adequate to postpone scheduled relining. Read the full case study.

Seal tank inspection at a pulp and paper mill in B.C.

Seal tank

At a pulp and paper mill in B.C., a previous FRP inspector had recommended relining of a seal tank since 2015 based on internal visual inspection, and relining was scheduled for the plant shutdown in March 2017. UTComp was hired to inspect the seal tank, which contains chlorine dioxide filtrate. UltraAnalytix inspection results showed that the thickness and condition of the FRP in a pulp bleaching vessel were adequate to postpone scheduled relining. Read the full case study.