Pipeline Inspection / Pipeline Condition Analysis
Pipeline maintenance is crucial to ensuring that your pipeline system continues to function properly. An important part of maintaining your pipelines is pipeline inspection.
There are numerous ways that a client can inspect their pipelines. One example process is an internal inspection using a camera. However, by only using a camera, your inspection results will be limited to the damage you can visibly see.
A more comprehensive inspection process to consider is American Pipeline Solutions’ Smart Pig inspection. This process allows the APS team to examine the properties of metallic pipes and determine if integrity damage to the pipe and more.
Keep reading to learn more about American Pipeline Solutions’ pipeline inspection processes, the types of pipes that can be inspected and APS’ credentials.
American Pipeline Solutions’ Smart Pig Pipeline Inspection Process
The first step in APS’ Smart Pig inspection process is to run a foam poly-pig through the pipeline. This ensures that the pipeline is adequately cleaned before running the Smart Pig through the pipe.
Once the pipeline is considered clean by APS’ team, the pipe is ready to run the Smart Pig. Before running the pig, APS will set up above-ground monitors. These are used to track the pig as it travels down the line. Then, APS will prepare the Smart Pig by first turning it on and performing a quality assurance & quality control test. Once the pig is ready to go, it is launched into the pipeline.
After the Smart Pig run is complete, APS downloads the Smart Pig’s data. Then, the team performs another quality assurance check on the data collected. This check is to ensure that the data was collected properly. At this point in the process, APS will decide if another run is necessary to gather additional data. This decision can be up to the client or the APS team, depending on the time available to run the test.
What Types of Pipes Can be Inspected?
American Pipeline Solutions has experience inspecting numerous types of pipelines. The types of pipelines that can be inspected include the following:
Cast Iron
Ductile Iron
Steel
PVC
HDPE
What size pipes can be inspected? Does size impact the process?
Generally, an inspection can occur on any type of pipeline. When it comes to the inspection processes, the pipeline’s size will impact the pig and camera size. APS can inspect pipeline sizes ranging from 3” and up.
Does the material of a pipeline impact the inspection process?
Our advanced inspection tool, the Smart Pig, is uniquely equipped to handle metallic pipelines. It utilizes state-of-the-art electromagnetic (eddy current) sensors, which are highly effective in detecting anomalies, pinpointing pitting, assessing internal corrosion levels, measuring nominal wall thickness, identifying delamination, and much more. This cutting-edge technology provides a comprehensive view of your pipeline's condition.
For plastic pipes, we use caliper sensors, which are specialized instruments designed to measure the inner diameter of a pipeline. In non-ferrous materials like plastics, these sensors excel at detecting changes in ovality, kinks, and dents. While these issues might seem minor, they can be early indicators of potential problems that could lead to failure if left unaddressed. And for pipes that may have a mix of metal and plastic due to repairs, the Smart Pig can be equipped with both sensors (calipers and eddy current) to simultaneously inspect the entire pipeline in one run.
All our Smart Pigs are equipped with cutting-edge IMUs to provide XYZ coordinates, and the smart tool can be further enhanced with acoustic sensors for leak detection in both metallic and plastic pipelines, demonstrating its advanced features.
American Pipeline Solutions’ Training & Safety Compliance
APS is dedicated to providing customers with quality pipeline inspection solutions. As a result, APS’ team will ensure each process is carried out to the highest industry and safety standards.
To achieve these standards, APS utilizes the following training and certifications:
Lead Technicians are 40-hour HAZWOPER, OSHA certified and trained
Lead Technicians are CPR certified, Confined Space Entry and all have TWIC credentials.
Employees are DOT Operator Qualified accredited for pigging, abnormal operating conditions and hydrostatic testing for both fuel and natural gas systems.
APS is a member of the Pipeline Testing Consortium, Isnetworld, Pipeline Pigging and Services Association (PPSA), and Veriforce.
In addition to training and certification, APS complies with the following:
U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration
Pipeline Safety Regulations 49 CFR Parts 199, 382 and 40 for Drug and Alcohol Policy.
In the end, APS’s team is passionate about providing each client with an efficient and effective inspection solution.
Want to learn more about pipeline inspection and conditional analysis?
Contact the team at American Pipeline Solutions and find the appropriate inspection solution for your needs.
