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Innovative solutions to identify and mitigate the threat of pipeline defectsThe most frequent cause of deterioration in pipeline integrity is loss of metal from the pipe wall due to corrosion or mechanical damage. Corrosion attacks a pipeline in many ways. Some are relatively easy to detect, others require specialized tools and procedures. The best choice of inspection tool often depends on the application, the type of corrosion mechanism, the medium being transported and the nature of the pipeline steel. The first in-line inspection tools were developed to locate corrosion and assess |
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its severity. The lineage of our MagneScan™ magnetic flux leakage tools dates back to the late 1960s, when pipeline operators in North America and the U.K. were looking for ways to improve the safety and efficiency of their systems. A crack may be almost invisible to the eye, but it can weaken a pipeline sufficiently to cause catastrophic failure. Solutions have been developed to identify, locate and monitor the many types of crack that can compromise pipeline integrity. The UltraScan™ CD tool was introduced in 1994 to locate cracks that run parallel to the axis of the pipe. In 2005, we launched the UltraScan Duo tool, which combines with unique technology both wall measurement and crack detection, using phased array sensors. Our inspection tools draw on an extensive history of technological innovation and in-field success. They have accurately and consistently identified anomalies of every type and size and measured all known cracks, in every kind of pipeline worldwide. And the information they gather helps you move beyond detection - to integrity management solutions. High-quality information is the most critical requirement for smart business decisions in the pipeline industry. GE Oil & Gas offers flexible data-management solutions as part of a focused pipeline integrity management program. Our latest technology breakthrough now includes the impact detection system ThreatScan™, to help pipeline operators locate third party damage. | |
In line inspection: How it works
The pipeline is normally segmented into sections, and a pig trap is fitted at the start and end of each section. The pig trap is similar to an air lock or a torpedo launch tube. It is isolated from the pipeline by a valve, so it can be depressurized to load the pig. Once loaded, the trap door is closed and the trap is pressurized. With the main trap valve open, oil or gas flow can be directed behind the pig to push it into the pipeline.
Our Magnetic pigs (MagneScan™ range ) and Ultrasonic pigs ( UltraScan™ range) can be used in oil or gas product with minimal adaptation. Pigs take their power from on-board battery packs (usually lithium cells). Our tools are designed to travel up to 600 miles (1,000 km) in a single pass, though average pipeline sections are around 30 miles (50 km) long. The larger diameter pigs can collect more than 500 gigabytes of data. On-board data compression is used before the data is stored, usually on magnetic storage media, but also on solid state flash memory storage for high temperature applications. Our strengths and expertise reside in our in-house capability of analysing and interpreting the data gathered by the tools, to help our customers mitigate risks of pipeline failures.
GE Oil & Gas Offerings
- Metal Loss
- Crack Detection
- Mapping Capabilities
- In Field Services
- Integrity engineering and management
- GIS & Data Management solutions
- Impact Detection system for Third Party Damage