Technology for Assuring Integrity of Uninspectable Small Diameter Pipeline Systems

Abstract

Abstract The inspection of large diameter pipelines using intelligent pigs is commonplace and subject to continuous development. Increasingly onerous is the inspection and thus integrity void associated with ‘unpiggable’ pipelines, caused by a variety of factors including diameter, geometry, access and economics. The traditional inspection of pipework is onerous, expensive and can expose the operator and contractor to increased levels of risk, typically associated with access and logistics challenges. The development and deployment of small and ultra small intelligent pigs can increasingly enable the inspection of pipeline and pipework inventory which could not previously be exploited. The increasing momentum to embrace alternative energy sources involves new and often smaller diameter systems, as well as the opportunity to re-purpose part of the existing energy network. The ability to deploy such technologies can significantly increase the speed of inspection survey, offer full coverage, whilst lowering the risk associated with complex and extensive access arrangements.