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Recent advances in inline inspection technology have increased the probability of detecting previously undetectable pipeline anomalies. But now that these anomalies are detectable,, their verification requires advanced non-destructive evaluation methods.

“The inline inspection tool would be run in a pipeline; the inline inspection tool would see something at a certain distance or odometer on the pipeline. The ILI group would size that indication, and then for validation purposes, we would come in and go to that exact spot that they called it.” Non-destructive evaluation technologies have progressed from analog oscilloscopes to advanced technologies such as phased array ultrasonic testing, automated ultrasonic testing and laser scanning.

“All of this new technology is basically geared towards saving time in the ditch. So, what may take on the laser scanner for instance, if I was to scan this whole piece of pipe manually with a pit depth gage, I'd probably be out here for a few days, where the laser scanner I could probably scan at all in a day, have an actual screen shot of the whole pipe. I could do a three dimensional image of the pipe with all the corrosion on it, and then you would have actual data of every quarter inch that I took a reading what that depth was on this whole length of pipe.”

Through use of these advanced evaluation technologies, validation of complex anomaly characteristics has become more accurate and the probability of detection has increased. For more information on Non-Destructive Evaluation, contact T.D. Williamson.