The paper discusses the growing importance of Remote Field Technology (RFT) in the in-line inspection of pipelines, particularly in scenarios where traditional magnetic flux leakage (MFL) tools face challenges. Over the past decade, RFT has emerged as a valuable alternative, especially in situations involving internal scale, deposits, liners and complex pipeline geometries.
RFT operates on the principles of electromagnetic induction, which were first discovered and documented by pioneers like Michael Faraday and Heinrich Lenz in the 19th century. Unlike MFL, which relies on permanent magnets, RFT generates alternating current to produce a magnetic field, allowing it to measure parameters such as relative permeability and wall thickness without attempting magnetic saturation.
One of the key advantages of RFT is its ability to inspect through scale, coatings, and liners with equal sensitivity to outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) wall loss. This capability makes it suitable for various pipeline materials and conditions, including those with internal tubercles, sludge, sand, wax, and oil deposits. RFT tools can operate in tethered or free-swimming modes, offering flexibility in inspection distances and pipeline sizes.
The paper called “Increased Use of Remote Field Technology for In-Line Inspection of Pipelines Proves the Value of the Technology for this Application” presents several case studies illustrating the effectiveness of RFT in detecting corrosion, scale, and other defects in pipelines of different materials and sizes. Additionally, it highlights RFT’s capability to measure stress in pipelines, which is crucial for preventing leaks and failures caused by fatigue and stress corrosion cracking.
Overall, the paper concludes that RFT has become a well-established technique for pipeline inspection, offering significant advantages over traditional methods like MFL. Its versatility, ruggedness, and ability to provide accurate measurements through various pipeline conditions make it a valuable tool for ensuring the integrity and safety of critical pipeline assets.
Why Pipeline Operators & Owners Should Choose PICA’s Advanced NDT Services
Pipeline infrastructure plays a vital role in modern society, providing essential resources like water, oil, and gas for daily existence. However, aging pipelines pose significant challenges, including the risk of corrosion-related leaks and failures. As the demand for proactive inspection and maintenance grows, pipeline operators need reliable and innovative solutions to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of their assets.
Pipeline Inspection & Condition Analysis Corporation (PICA) offers best-in-class inspection and condition analysis services aimed at driving innovation and improving the integrity of critical pipeline assets worldwide. With a mission to increase safety, reliability, and sustainability, PICA’s primary focus is on providing proactive inspections and surgical repairs to extend the service life of aging pipeline infrastructure.
At the core of PICA’s service offerings is its Advanced NDT solution, which uses Remote Field Testing (RFT) technology discussed in the technical paper cited above. This technology utilizes electromagnetic remote field eddy current inspection tools to conduct thorough in-line inspections of pipelines, even in challenging conditions where traditional methods like magnetic flux leakage (MFL) fall short.
The advantages of PICA’s Advanced NDT services are many. Firstly, its RFT technology offers unparalleled sensitivity to defects, capable of accurately detecting corrosion, scale, and other anomalies through various pipeline materials and coatings. Unlike MFL, which requires close contact with the pipe wall, RFT can penetrate scale, coatings, and liners, providing comprehensive inspection results without the need for extensive cleaning or preparation.
Moreover, PICA’s Advanced NDT services are highly versatile, suitable for both in-service and out-of-service pipelines, and can be deployed in tethered or free-swimming configurations, offering flexibility in inspection distances and pipeline geometries. This versatility ensures minimal disruption to pipeline operations while maximizing inspection coverage and accuracy.
Another key advantage of PICA’s Advanced NDT services is its ability to measure stress in pipelines, providing valuable insights into potential failure mechanisms such as fatigue and stress corrosion cracking. By identifying stress hotspots and structural weaknesses, PICA helps pipeline operators implement targeted maintenance strategies to mitigate risks and prevent costly failures.
In addition to its technical capabilities, PICA stands out for its commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction. With a team of experienced professionals and state-of-the-art technologies, PICA delivers reliable and cost-effective solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.
In conclusion, pipeline operators & owners facing the challenge of aging infrastructure and increasing regulatory pressures can trust PICA’s Advanced NDT services to safeguard their critical assets. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, industry expertise, and a commitment to excellence, PICA helps ensure the integrity, safety, and reliability of pipelines, paving the way for a more sustainable future.