From Research to Reality:
Guided Wave Inspection in Taiwan
從研究到實務：導波檢測技術在台灣的發展
Abstract
Over the past two decades, guided wave inspection technology in Taiwan has evolved from academic research into a practical and trusted solution for industrial asset integrity management. In this invited keynote, the author reflects on twenty years of experience bridging theory and field practice, sharing how guided wave principles have been applied to solve real inspection challenges across diverse industries.
The presentation traces this journey from early long-range pipeline corrosion screening using low-frequency torsional T(0,1) guided waves, to the later development of short-range SH0 guided wave applications for complex and high-risk locations, including pipe supports, wall penetrations, transition zones, storage tanks, and boiler water wall tubes. These developments enabled rapid, large-area screening where conventional inspection methods were often limited.
Since 2023, these technologies have been widely implemented in field services, helping boiler operators prevent 57 unplanned shutdowns and significantly reduce operational and economic losses. Looking forward, the keynote explores the shift from periodic inspection toward permanent guided wave monitoring systems (PIMS/gPIMS) as a foundation for predictive maintenance. Across pipelines, petrochemical plants, power facilities, underground assets, and CUI-prone areas, the core value of guided wave inspection remains unchanged: seeing risk early, over large areas, and before failure occurs
摘要
過去二十年間，導波檢測技術在台灣已從學術研究逐步發展為工業設備完整性管理中一項實用且值得信賴的解決方案。本受邀專題演講將回顧講者二十年的學術與現場實務經驗，分享如何將導波基礎理論成功應用於多元產業中的實際檢測挑戰。
本演講將回顧導波檢測技術的發展歷程，從早期利用低頻扭轉模態 T(0,1) 導波進行長距離管線腐蝕快速篩選，延伸至後續針對複雜且高風險位置所發展的短距離 SH0 導波應用，包括管支撐、穿牆段、出入土轉換區、儲槽設備，以及鍋爐水牆管等。這些技術的發展，使導波檢測能在傳統方法受限的情境下，實現快速且大範圍的檢測評估。
自 2023 年起，相關技術已廣泛導入現場檢測服務，成功協助鍋爐用戶避免 57 次非計畫性停爐事件，並顯著降低營運風險與經濟損失。展望未來，本專題演講亦將探討導波檢測由定期檢測邁向**永久式導波監測系統（PIMS／gPIMS）**的轉型，以及其在預知維護中的關鍵角色。無論應用於管線、石化廠、發電設施、地下設備或易發生包覆下腐蝕（CUI）的高風險區域，導波檢測的核心價值始終不變——在失效發生之前，以大範圍方式及早掌握風險。