When inspecting your water, wastewater, and slurry water pipelines, partnering with a condition assessment company committed to innovation is crucial. At PICA, we proudly invest in emerging tools and technologies to ensure our customers clearly understand the condition of their pipelines. In particular, our SeeSnake tools have emerged as a revolutionary solution for inline inspections, setting a new standard for detecting corrosion, flaws, and more. Below, we’ll explore the remarkable features and capabilities of our SeeSnake Tools and their various applications. Continue reading to find out more.
Meeting the Demand for Precision
As the demand for improved Probability of Detection (POD) and accurate corrosion pit sizing in pipeline inspections increases, so does the need for advanced technology. Traditional tools that rely on Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) face limitations when pipelines have internal deposits, wax, scale, or non-magnetic liners like cement mortar, epoxy or polyethylene. In such cases, direct contact with the pipe wall is necessary for accurate flaw identification, making MFL tools only appropriate for bare pipe applications (i.e. no internal liner).
Fortunately, at PICA, we use our SeeSnake technology, which offers a unique solution. PICA’s tools require no direct contact with the pipe wall and measure through scale, wax, and non-magnetic liners. In fact, our SeeSnake tools have a clearance of 0.250 inches (6.3mm) minimum to 3.0″ (75mm) maximum to navigate past obstacles like weld roots, dents, internal deposits and liners. This flexibility, combined with their water/pressure proof design, allows them to traverse pipelines efficiently.
Robust and Resilient Design
One of the many standout features of PICA’s SeeSnake tools is their robust construction. Unlike MFL tools with external movable parts, our SeeSnake Tools are generally built with sensors that are housed within pressure housings. This innovative design eliminates the risk of breakage or entanglement at tees and branches within the pipeline.
Moreover, PICA’s inline inspection tools, like the SeeSnake, have been rigorously tested, enduring the extremes of the cold Canadian winters and the sweltering heat of Australian summers. The internal batteries and flash memory are scalable, enabling the SeeSnake to run for extended periods and distances when necessary.
Quick and Data-Rich Inline Inspections
PICA’s SeeSnake tools are engineered for speed. They can reach inline inspection speeds of 1 to 2 kilometers per hour, making them highly efficient for common pipe wall thicknesses ranging from 0.125 to 0.156 inches. All data collected during the inspection is stored on board and can be easily downloaded via USB or Bluetooth after the run.
What sets our SeeSnake tools apart is their ability to measure an abundance of information. They utilize Remote Field Array Technology: a patented multi-sensor through transmission AC technique. This grants them equal sensitivity to both internal and external wall-loss. Additionally, these tools provide precise measurements of the remaining wall thickness and surface area (length, width and depth). With this level of precision, PICA‘s pipeline inspection services surpass competitors.
Wide Range of Applications
PICA’s SeeSnake Tools are versatile, and through our pipeline inspection services, they can be utilized across various applications, including:
- Inspecting pipelines before purchase or after construction to ensure construction integrity.
- After a pipeline failure, they can check several kilometres on each side of the repair to determine if the pipeline had a local or more widespread problem.
- Examining old or abandoned lines before recommissioning.
Your Source for Pipeline Inspections
PICA’s SeeSnake Tools represent technological innovation in inline pipeline inspections. With an ever-expanding range of applications, our tools are poised to reshape the future of pipeline inspections and ensure that pipelines continue to operate safely and efficiently.
Contact PICA today to learn more about our pipeline inspection services and how our SeeSnake tools can ensure you have a clear understanding of the condition of your pipelines.