Pigging Q&A part two: NDT Global

We asked. They answered. Pigging experts from NDT Global discuss intelligent pigs and best practice.

By Peter Smorscek, NDT Global, Germany

Q

How would you define a high-resolution inspection tool? What kind of results can you expect from running such tools?

A

Inspection tools should be able to provide accurate, reliable and reproducible measurement data that feed relevant corrosion or crack assessments that serve as cornerstones for a viable pipeline integrity management. For NDT Global, high-resolution inspection means the ability to detect pitting as well as cracks with an absolute depth sizing.

Q

Are ‘unpiggable pipelines’ a thing of the past?

A

Every pipeline requires its own solution. Pipeline inspection providers should be able to reduce the “unpiggability” of pipelines. NDT Global creates inspection opportunities for customers with unpiggable pipelines by:

• Reducing the bend radius of its inspection tools to 1.0 D.
• Providing tools that withstand high pressure, which is typical for deepwater applications.
• Providing tools with a bidirectional measurement configuration, starting from 6 in.
• Providing multi-diameter tools (for example, to inspect 36/48 in. liquid pipelines).
• Providing UT tools that are designed to inspect wax-rich crude pipelines.
• Co-operating with partners who offer tethered inspection tools.

Unpiggable pipelines will continue to exist, but most ILI providers will be able to provide tools and technologies to reduce their existence.

NDT Global’s LineExplorer 8 in. UM tool for metal loss and pitting detection.

Q

Which technologies are available to inspect circumferential seam welds for small cracks and flaws? Will some small cracks always evade smart pig detection? What is the minimum size of a detectable defect?

A

NDT Global offers a specific UT inspection technology for the detection and sizing of cracks with an axial as well as a circumferential orientation. Detection, determination and sizing of cracks in pipelines is our job. Safety-relevant cracks will always be detected.

The full version of this article is published in the February issue of World Pipelines. To see this article in full, including responses to the questions listed below, click here to subscribe and receive a downloadable PDF of the February issue.

Q

How important is it for pipeline engineers to know about pressure and MAOP? How does pressure affect the inspection work you carry out?

Q

How does your company use ILI datasets?

Q

Which codes and practises are crucial towards gaining a better understanding of pipeline integrity?

Q

Which new, or developing, technologies for ILI will have the most impact on the way pipelines are inspected in the future? What other technologies rival smart

pigs?

Edited from an article published in the February 2014 issue of World Pipelines by Elizabeth Corner

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/19022014/pigging_qanda_part_two_ndt_global/