FAQs
Questions? We have answers. Browse our frequently asked questions below or contact us today.
Operations / Logistics
2-week advance notice with final confirmation by Thursday prior to the first week of testing.
Between 4 and 6 hours start-to-finish, per pipe sample. This includes all procedures of the HSD tester, full chemistry sampling and in-situ microscopy of the pipe material.
Reporting and Analytics
Reports can be customized using several add-ons and pre-developed options built-in to the standard HSD reporting process. There is a one-time fee for further customization or custom reporting template.
MMT's reporting work product consists of an initial Instant Report that is generated and delivered to customers within 12 hours of a sample completion and a complete Final Report provided 10 business days after job completion. The Instant Report provides immediate strength information to allow customers and operators to make decisions as soon as possible. The complete final reports consist of final strength and grade verification in addition to chemical composition, grain microstructure measurements, and seam type classification, all of which are combined in MMT's validated and accurate prediction models.
Expedited reports are issued within 24 to 48 hours of completion of on-site testing. Expedited reports must be requested in advance of the project date and require an additional fee.
To obtain an 80% confidence interval, HSD results experience a 3 ksi conservative shift. Smaller conservative shifts lead to more positive grade determinations and fewer overall tests to meet regulations.
Science and Technology
The HSD is the only field instrument that performs frictional sliding to imprint multiple long shallow grooves on the pipe surface, which enables the collection of hundreds of measurements from a single test to sample a greater volume of material and provide reliable averages.
HSD Testing is calibrated to differentiate between High-Frequency, Low-Frequency, and Post-Weld Heat Treated ERW seams. This determination can significantly impact the safe operating conditions of assets by providing material properties above the conservative minimum values.
If there is sufficient area to mount the tester to the sample, the HSD can gather the necessary information. For straight joints, tee joints, and reducers, this requires a segment with at least 3” OD and 12” of unobstructed straight pipe. For most elbows, the OD needs to be 8” or greater.
API has minimum values for both Yield and UTS. It is important to confirm that samples meet API standards across all parameters to ensure safe operation.
The HSD is a weather-resistant instrument that can withstand weather conditions and abnormal considerations that are safe for testing.
PHMSA Regulatory Compliance
The HSD Tester is constantly collecting measurements as the grooves from the frictional sliding process are being generated. As a result, a single HSD Test collects hundreds of measurements from every groove. These measurements are then divided into 10 subsets of equal distance along the length of the test. Each of these resulting subsets qualifies as a sampling. Additionally, duplicate HSD tests are performed in two different testing locations on every pipe. A single HSD report includes significantly more measurements than the minimums required by the regulations.
MMT has developed the framework for an Alternative Sampling Plan that meets the requirements of 192.607(e)(5), which allows operators to benefit from the reduced uncertainty of the HSD process to potentially reduce the required number of test locations to verify material grade for a pipeline population. To be implemented, this approach must be submitted to PHMSA through the notification process outlined in 192.18. Contact the MMT Reporting group () to discuss details of this statistical process and next steps.
Equipment & Instrumentation
The HSD is a weather-resistant instrument that can withstand weather conditions and abnormal considerations that are safe for testing.
Training and Support
Since 2018, MMT has developed a complete training and qualification program. By referencing known industry standards, such as ASME B31Q and ANST SNT-TC-1A, MMT’s training and qualification program matches known industry standards and ensures individuals are not only trained but also qualified.
MMT’s training programs are a hybrid offering consisting of virtual learning sessions and hands-on demonstrations. Trainees are evaluated on the knowledge gathered in the sessions and demonstrations through both written evaluations and on-site Technical Performance Evaluations (TPEs).
While hours on the job often correspond to adequate knowledge, MMT prefers on-site Technical Performance Evaluations (TPEs) over a specific number of hours. The TPEs provide an opportunity for the trainee to demonstrate knowledge in a specific area related to the Technical Tasks.
MMT's training program is a multi-level qualification process designed to incrementally increase the responsibilities and improve the skills and knowledge of qualified technicians. Through this process, individuals grow from a Level I Technician (requires supervision) to a Level II Technician (allowed to independently test and supervise).
