While buildup of foreign materials in a pipeline can cause a reduction in flow, it can also cause a rise in energy consumption due to high pressures. It can even plug the pipeline. In the worst case, it can cause cracks or flaws in the line with disastrous consequences like spills and their many associated dangers.
From the construction phase until abandonment, all pipelines require pigging at certain moments. Pigging experts are specialists in selecting the best pig for the job. They choose only the highest-quality pigs from suppliers. However, for more challenging, critical jobs, they build their own pigs to the required specifications in order to guarantee the best possible service.
ILI tool
One such example of this is building a specific tool for pipeline pigging. For the past few decades, pipeline operators have invested in launchers, receivers and numerous related appendages to make pipelines piggable and regular inspections possible. To supply this market with a competitive, ultrasonic inspection tool, a new addition to the Piglet® family has been developed: the In-line Inspection (ILI) tool. This new ILI tool provides a flexible platform that enables inspection of these lines online and while immersed in liquid.
The tool is propelled through the line by the liquid. Due to its enhanced velocity, ILI allows more options for using batches in gas pipelines. The tool combines the advantages of “free swimming” and cable-operated inspection systems. As a result, it has eliminated the disadvantages of both. Furthermore, the system is suitable for passing small radius bends and multiple diameters. It can also be bidirectional.
The measurement technique used is ultrasonic. This Piglet tool is equipped with a measuring device that uses ultra-sound waves for measuring the wall thickness and inner radius of the pipe.
The ILI-Piglet system has the ability to:
- Inspect pipeline lengths up to 40 kilometers in one run.
- Negotiate an unlimited number of bends.
- Travel in two directions (bidirectional).
- Inspect multiple diameters in one run.
- Store data onboard as well as provide all ultrasonic measurements online.
- Save raw ultrasonic data for detailed post-processing analysis.
Data analysis and final report
Using an in-house developed inspection tool, in combination with highly qualified personnel and the most sophisticated software, the final report is the deliverable component of a pipeline inspection. The purpose of a data analysis and final report is to accurately inform pipeline owners and operators of their assets’ conditions. A final reporting service is based on an intelligent data analysis system controlled by highly trained data analysts. When it comes to reporting, quality and accuracy are essential. All work performed by data analysts is reviewed and verified by an additional level 2 or level 3 data analyst. In addition, all final reports are independently reviewed and verified by a level 3 data analyst.
During data analysis and final reporting, it is essential to carry out a defect assessment as standard and offer fitness-for-purpose reporting if required. Other significant offerings include, but are not limited to, an immediate notification policy and a corrosion growth rate analysis.
For more information, visit www.a-hak-is.com or call (281) 484-2000.
