Evaluation of Prototype Horton Sphere using Acoustic Emission

Acoustic Emission technique has advance from laboratory use to application such as integrity of pressure vessels and many other structures. In this in-house project, we have looked into the condition monitoring of prototype horton sphere by acoustic emission technique during hydro-test. The damage mechanism occurred during hydrotest are characterized based on AE parameters. The predicted damage mechanisms are simulated on the similar materials.
The results show that the predicted damage mechanisms include oxide scale peeling, breaking, chipping etc. The source location study identifies the damage prone zone as verified by ultrasonic NDE.
The hydrotest of the Horton sphere, which was left in atmosphere for a decade, indicates that major material degradation occurs near the bottom flange. The degradat-ion was identified as loose and adherent oxide scales.