A large number of industries have pipelines that in cases can run for hundreds of miles. These could be the Nuclear, Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical, Power Generation or Pulp & Paper Industries. These pipelines are to be inspected regularly to ensure that there is no blockage or corrosion since such blockages or corrosion could ultimately result in the industry coming to a grinding halt. Pipeline inspection therefore assumes the greatest of significance in any industry. The large length of the pipeline isn’t the only problem associated with its inspection. At times the pipeline could be in a relatively inaccessible location making the task of its inspection that much tougher. The team of inspectors has to be qualified and experienced besides being dedicated and true professionals duly certified and possessing modern equipment that has been periodically calibrated.
Pipeline inspection involves a complex form of non-destructive testing such as magnetic, radiographic or ultrasonic testing. In a magnetic form of testing use is made of Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) equipment. The MFL is used in the case of steel pipelines and consists of generating a strong magnetic field around the pipeline. The resultant flux lines reveal the existence of cracks and other defects in the pipeline. Advanced systems use multiple sensors to improve the resolution. In the In Line Inspection Tool method (MFL-ILI) the tool or “Pig” travels inside the pipeline while relaying real time data. In yet more advanced methods GPS is used to pinpoint the exact location of the fault in the pipeline.
Pipeline inspection involves a complex form of non-destructive testing such as magnetic, radiographic or ultrasonic testing. In a magnetic form of testing use is made of Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) equipment. The MFL is used in the case of steel pipelines and consists of generating a strong magnetic field around the pipeline. The resultant flux lines reveal the existence of cracks and other defects in the pipeline. Advanced systems use multiple sensors to improve the resolution. In the In Line Inspection Tool method (MFL-ILI) the tool or “Pig” travels inside the pipeline while relaying real time data. In yet more advanced methods GPS is used to pinpoint the exact location of the fault in the pipeline.
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