Pipelines play a critical role in safely transporting energy resources across vast distances. However, as pipelines age, undetected integrity issues can potentially develop over time if not properly managed. Maintaining pipeline integrity requires robust monitoring systems and protocols to promptly identify and address any developing problems before they result in incidents.
Pipeline Integrity operators utilize various inspection technologies to examine pipelines both internally and externally on a scheduled basis. Inline inspections using intelligent pigs are commonly used to inspect the inside of transmission pipelines for anomalies. The pigs utilize magnetic flux leakage or ultrasonic testing to detect corrosion, cracks, dents or other issues along the pipe wall. For certain segments, hydrotesting may also be conducted to check for pressure containing integrity issues. Meanwhile, direct assessment evaluates the outside of the pipe through excavation and visual or non-destructive testing at areas potentially at risk. These proactive inspections provide essential data to monitor integrity over the lifetime of the pipeline system.
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