PII Pipeline Solutions

a GE Oil & Gas and Al Shaheen joint venture

Metal Loss
Pipeline inspection and assessment services
 Protect the future of your pipeline
We provide a comprehensive range of metal-loss detection
services for pipeline operators. Our inspection tools draw on
an unparalleled history of technological innovation and in-
field success. They have accurately and consistently identified
anomalies of every type and size, in every kind of pipeline. The
information they gather helps you move beyond detection — to
enhanced long-term safety and productivity

The nature of metal loss

All engineering structures contain defects, and pipelines are no Since the inspections generate a variety of data forms, special
exception. Metal loss anomalies can be introduced at any stage of consideration should also be given to your integrity program
a pipeline’s life – during manufacturing, in construction or while requirements. Our tools use advanced ultrasonic and magnetic
in service through material defects, gouges, corrosion, etc. Metal technologies to obtain precise descriptions in the widest range of
loss anomalies are characterized by an area of pipewall with a pipe diameters and wall thicknesses for gas and liquid pipelines.
measurable reduction in its thickness. Any type of metal loss in a pipeline can be characterized by
Our inspection capabilities considering its dimensions. The Pipeline Operators Forum
Specialized inspection capabilities are essential in order to (POF) has established a graphical representation of a number
identify and accurately describe metal loss anomalies, and of common metal loss features. PII’s worldwide fleet of in-line
PII Pipeline Solutions, a GE Oil & Gas and Al Shaheen joint inspection tools has an unmatched breadth and depth of data-
venture, offers several proven in-line inspection services for collection and analysis capabilities to address all types of metal
this critical task. The best choice for your situation will depend loss threats to your pipeline.
on the application, type of corrosion mechanism, medium being
transported and the nature of the pipeline steel.

Axial Gouge General Corrosion Shallow Pitting Deep Pitting Narrow Axial External Erosion Wall Thinning Laminations
Corrosion (NAEC)
Mechanical or forceful A measurable reduction in Caused by imbalances Pitting occurs in proportion to Usually associated with Internal separations
removal of metal, parallel the pipewall thickness over between the pipe metal the magnitude and duration Associated with pitting, caused localized turbulence effects that create layers
to the pipe axis, that may a large area, caused by an and an electrically of electrical current; it also by failure of the pipeline wrap at (e.g., high flow conditions just usually aligned
work harden the pipe and electrochemical reaction conductive environment; contributes to NAEC. the seam weld. downstream of a girth weld). parallel to the
make it more susceptible between the pipe metal and occurs at points of electric Entrained solids such as sand worked surface of
to cracking. its environment. discharge. can accentuate this form of the metal.
attack.
 Characteristics Defect Types

The right tool for every challenge

In order to determine the best tool for the job, operators need to
consider three things:
• The level of accuracy required
Pipeline
• Defect types to be identified Characteristics
• Pipeline characteristics and operational conditions

The benefits beyond inspection

The value of these tools does not simply end with data collection.
The level of information provided, combined with our advanced TOOL
analysis capabilities, will help you more accurately determine the
risks involved in each case and substantially reduce the number of
excavations necessary for direct assessment and repair. Required Defect
We can perform ongoing data analysis services or provide you Accuracy Types
with the advanced, user-friendly software tools to complete
the work internally - giving your staff more access to complete
information, and more control over the future integrity of your
pipeline.

Accuracy

Motor size MagneScan 12-56" MagneScan SHR 6-10” / 12-36” SmartScan UltraScan WM

Media Liquid and Gas Liquid and Gas Liquid and Gas Liquid

Max. pressure 220 bar 150 bar/220 bar 100 bar 120 bar

Max. speed 5.0 m/s 5.0 m/s 4.0 m/s 1.0 m/s

Min. speed 0.3 m/s 0.1 m/s 1.0 m/s 0.1 m/s

Min./Max. temperature 0 to +60ºC -20 to +70ºC 0 to +60ºC -10ºC/+60ºC

Min. bend radius 1.5 D 1.5 D 1D 1.5 D

Min./Max. wall thickness* 4 mm to 35 mm 3-12 mm / 5-29 mm 6.35 mm to 12.7 mm 5 mm to 45 mm

Inspection Specifications** Pitting General Pitting General Pitting General Pitting General

Depth sizing accuracy ±10% ±8% ±15% ±0.5 mm ±1.0 mm

Length sizing accuracy ±10 mm ±15 mm ±4 mm ±7 mm ±20 mm ±20 mm ±6 mm

Width sizing accuracy ±20 mm ±12 mm ±20 mm ±12 mm

Min. det. depth (gen corrosion SW/ERW) 5% 5% 10% 1.0 mm

Min. det. depth (pitting SW/ERW) 8% 8% 20% 1.0 mm

Min. det. pitting diameter 7 mm 2 mm 7 mm 5 mm

Min. sizable pitting diameter 7 mm 5 mm 7 mm 10 mm

Specifications may vary for individual tools and specific applications

* Specifications for greater WT can be provided on request
** Detection @ 90% and Sizing Accuracy @ 80%
 Pipeline Operators Forum [POF] Pipeline Operators Forum [POF] Pipeline Operators Forum [POF] Pipeline Operators Forum [POF]
Metal Loss Definitions [ A=Wall thickness or 10 mm, whichever is greater ]
Metal Loss Definitions [ A=Wall thickness or 10 mm, whichever is greater ]
Metal Loss Definitions [ A=Wall thickness or 10 mm, whichever is greater ]
Metal Loss Definitions [ A=Wall thickness or 10 mm, whichever is greater ]
10 10 10 10

Circumferential grooving

Circumferential grooving

Circumferential grooving
Circumferential grooving
9 9 9 9

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7
Circumferential slotting

Circumferential slotting

Circumferential slotting

Circumferential slotting
General General General General
6 6 6 6

[Multiple of A]
[Multiple of A]

[Multiple of A]

Defect width
[Multiple of A]
Defect width

Defect width

Defect width
5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

Pitting Pitting Pitting Pitting

2 Axial grooving 2 Axial grooving 2 Axial grooving 2 Axial grooving

1 1 1 1
Pinhole Axial slotting Pinhole Axial slotting Pinhole Axial slotting Pinhole Axial slotting
0 0 0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Defect length Defect length Defect length Defect length
[Multiple of A] [Multiple of A] [Multiple of A] [Multiple of A]

MagneScan New MagneScan Super High SmartScan inspection tool UltraScan WM inspection tool
inspection tool Resolution inspection tool

MagneScan MagneScan SHR SmartScan UltraScan WM/UltraScan Duo

Versatile, reliable and well-proven Super High Resolution/Triax capability Inspecting unpiggable pipelines Precise, direct measurement of defects
Drawing on PII’s advances in Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) Class-leading metal loss detection (POD), identification (POI) and One third of the world’s pipelines are currently unpiggable UltraScan™ WM (USWM) now uses PII’s Advanced Echo
technology, MagneScan™ sets the standard for reliable metal sizing accuracy are achieved through a 4-in-1 sensor technology because of access and valve restrictions, multi-diameter Processing (AEP) technology to further enhance data quality and
loss inspection results. Designed to withstand extremely harsh that incorporates three main Hall Effect corrosion sensors designs, impassable fittings and a myriad of other configuration help reduce the required number of digs and inspections. AEP
operating conditions, it has proven its versatility in a wide range oriented in axial, radial and transverse vectors, combined with an issues. While regulations demand more rigorous compliance delivers the most accurate metal loss detection – even with a
of applications in every type of pipeline – dry or liquid, overland or ID/OD sensor for internal/external discrimination. criteria, operators have limited, expensive options for integrity remaining wall thickness of just 1 mm. USWM is also unique in its
subsea. PII Pipeline Solutions can provide a tailor-made program This 4-in-1 sensor technology, sampling every 2 mm along assessment. Now, for many of those pipelines, this no longer has ability to detect and measure laminations, inclusions and other
to fit the requirements of your system. Specialized adaptations the pipe, makes it possible to identify linkages between to be the case. midwall manufacturing defects, regardless of shape, location or
provide high accuracy data even in low operating pressures, thick individual pits/pinholes and the formation of NAEC as well as SmartScan™ is an advanced in-line inspection tool – capable orientation. USWM can inspect pipelines with varying diameters,
walled pipe, multi-diameter pipelines and challenging pipeline circumferential slotting and grooving. Improved defect detection, of affordably navigating previously unpiggable pipelines. The and its reliability is ideal for baseline surveys and run comparisons.
configurations. identification and sizing accuracy for depth, length and width tool can be deployed from our innovative new angled entry The tool can also inspect dry pipelines when run in a liquid batch.
MagneScan delivers the detailed data and high confidence makes MagneScan SHR particularly well suited to critical system with mobile launchers and receivers (process patent Duo — expanded capabilities
levels essential for a productive integrity management program. pipelines with extensive complex corrosion, lines with high pending) through a hydraulic chute that is attached over a UltraScan Duo is the first tool capable of inspecting for cracking
RealSpec detection specifications draw on PII’s unparalleled consequences of failure and lines that are likely to suffer from smaller-bore hole in the pipe. The fitting remains as part of your and metal loss at the same time. This pioneering two-in-one
inspection experience to bring the highest levels of accuracy to axial defects or pinholes. asset, providing easy access for future inspections and cleaning benefit is a result of Phased Array Technology adapted from
data analysis and interpretation. MagneScan detects: internal and In addition to delivering outstanding detection and sizing for requirements. It can also traverse multi-diameter lines with GE Healthcare’s MRI technology. Whether running in WM or
external pitting and general corrosion; hard spots in the pipewall; general/pitting corrosion and axial/circumferential grooves, the existing taps. Duo mode, the tool’s advancements include superior pitting
metal loss associated with dents and under casings, repair shells, system has demonstrated the capability to detect 2 mm diameter With lower costs and higher confidence than DA or hydrostatic identification and wall thickness measurement.
metal objects, and girth weld anomalies. pinholes, axial slots as narrow as 1 mm, and circumferential slots testing, SmartScan gives pipeline operators the potential for Ideally suited to:
Ideally suited to: including girth weld cracks open by as little as 0.25 mm. multi-million-dollar savings. • General corrosion
• General corrosion Integrated geometry & mapping Ideally suited to: • Grooving corrosion
• Small pitting In addition to class-leading metal loss detection capabilities, • In-line inspection of previously unpiggable pipelines • Laminations and Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC)
• Girth weld anomalies New MagneScan includes a fully integrated high-resolution • 1D single bends • Erosion wall thinning
• Detection of hard spots caliper array to detect and profile the smallest dents for accurate • Multi-diameter lines • Narrow Axial External Corrosion (NAEC)
• Harsh operating conditions assessment of severity (PIDA) and FEA analysis.
• Entry and exit between restricted valves
There is also the option of an integrated Inertial Measurement • Continuous long-distance inspection with valve bypasses
Unit (IMU) for accurate and reliable feature location, centerline
• Specific inspection of High Consequence Areas
mapping in 3D and identification of curvature/strain. This
combination of technologies makes the system an outstanding
tool for advanced integrity assessment to better understand the
condition of your pipeline, and a superior solution for mechanical
damage assessment in particular. The flexibility to process and
analyze as much or as little of this Super High Resolution data as is
required also ensures a cost effective solution.
Case Study: Z-Sight Automated Well Surveillance

Certification in 8 months with tailor- PipeImage data analysis

made inspection reporting
The latest PipeImage features include:
• Area/Volume Histogram (available via Graphics Toolbar,
Reporting menu and Wizard) providing users with a more
A North American customer wanted This unique feature enabled unambiguous Conclusions visible means of data distribution
its gas pipeline re-certified at a higher identification of corrosion growth, new After the Integrity Assessment was • Improved Depth Based Reporting
operating pressure – from 1,100 psig to its corrosion and the growth rate of each approved, we coordinated the activities of
• Inspection Summary Window – a new Graphical User
maximum pressure of 1,219 psig. We had feature. multiple GPS, excavation and repair crews,
Interface that is an active link between Wizard, 3D and
just 8 months to get the line ready. Decision tree analysis (DTA) was used to integrity engineers and certification
Standard View
Background analyze growth rates and develop future officials in order to complete the entire
• Smart Query enables the client to define criteria to select
The 650 km pipeline transports more than repair plans. Compared with alternate project in less than eight months. The
features of interest
1,100 MMscfd (million standard cubic feet methods, the DTA approach would reduce operator was granted certification to
increase its operating pressure by 119 psig • Lite View enables features to be displayed on the line
per day) of dry natural gas from the United the number of repairs by half over a
and will benefit from years of increased stripped of signal data
States through Mexico. It comprises five-year period. Girth weld anomalies
with significant crack-like or metal throughput, reduced repair costs and • 3D Pipe Viewer allows the user to take a virtual journey
10 trap-to-trap sections of 42” and 48”
loss characteristics underwent further higher confidence in its pipeline’s integrity. along the pipeline
diameter pipe. Only two of the sections
Click on any defect cluster and all relevant data is displayed on screen. • Pipeline GIS, an affordable add-on, operates independently
had been inspected before – in 1997 by analysis and field investigation, and were
another supplier. subsequently repaired with epoxy sleeve of all third-party products to display pipeline route and
devices – an outstanding type of repair features along maps, imagery and satellite images
Inspection
Our high-resolution MagneScan in-line even in very tough conditions. Get the most vivid picture of pipeline
inspection (ILI) tools were launched Global Positioning Surveys integrity
in each of the pipeline segments. The In order to speed-up the location of PipeImage™ is the most technologically advanced, yet user-
most prevalent features were external defects for direct assessment and repair, friendly data visualization software available in the pipeline
and internal corrosion, with additional the MagneScan tools were outfitted industry. It enables users to process, view, navigate and annotate
dents and girth weld anomalies in with our Inertial Mapping Units. PII’s IMU high-resolution magnetic inspection data – and investigate
some sections. Case-by-case feature technology is based on alternative repair scenarios for critical defects.
assessments involved Modified high-performance aerospace and military
A point-and-click interface lets users view inspection data with
B31.G (0.85dL) and detailed RSTRENG navigation systems and is more precise
easy scaling, magnification and data-enhancement options.
methodologies using our LAPA™ software. than any other in the industry. IMU
Key locations can be labelled and quickly accessed by means of
Internal corrosion was found to be measures angular and linear velocity
navigation and annotation tools.
inactive, having occurred years earlier changes on three axes to give a precise
when the flow originated, or during pipe depiction of pipeline route and profile –
Raw signal comparison with RUNCOM.
storage before construction. External enabling precise synchronization with GPS
coordinates and reliable defect location
Simple, flexible and resourceful
corrosion, however, was still active in Pipeline operators, engineers and managers alike can analyze
several parts of the system. Therefore, the within 1.5 m.
integrity data quickly and easily – without the need for specially
corrosion assessment not only estimated Analysis of the IMU-GPS data identified trained IT or software technicians to process information
corrosion growth rates for future integrity extraordinary curvatures and isolated requests. Wizard functions enable users to perform non-
management, but also identified precise several areas that are now being destructive queries of the dataset.
strategies for mitigation and repair. compared with original alignment sheets
and as-built specifications to confirm Multi-level query strings enable the user to request complex
Future integrity combinations of features in a single step – the compound query
Based on corrosion characteristics, ground movement.
results are presented just as quickly as other programs would
operating parameters and PII Pipeline Integrity assessment take to complete a single-parameter search.
Solutions best practices, optimized re- Because of the short re-certification
IMU data enables detailed assessment of potential
inspection intervals were established. For timeline, the initial Integrity Assessment
ground movement.
the two sections inspected in 1997, we was required within 75 days of ILI
used our proprietary RUNCOM™ software completion. All assessments were
to compare MagneScan’s raw inspection customized to the operator’s needs,
signals to those from the previous eliminating format conversions and
supplier’s tools. significantly reducing delivery time.
Software tools to enhance the Why choose PII?
long-term value of your pipeline
Calculating corrosion growth rates with RUNCOM
RUNCOM™ is our suite of run-comparison software designed to analyze data from
multiple in-line inspections. It eliminates sitematching errors by comparing raw
inspection signals side-by-side, instead of using data that has already been processed
by other software. This allows 100% accuracy in matching corrosion sites. RUNCOM
has signal scaling tools to adjust for tool repeatability and maintains consistent sizing
methods to minimize other error sources. This approach has proven to be up to three
times more accurate than feature comparisons without RUNCOM.

Take control and leverage your ILI data with PVi Lite
PVi Lite is a stand-alone program that delivers smart filing of ILI data, fitness-for-service
and corrosion growth assessments.

PipeCatalog
Provides ‘smart filing’ to store and relate all ILI records, reports and other associated Best solutions Global support
documents Every technological innovation we offer is firmly grounded in PII Pipeline Solutions has the global infrastructure and local
PipeFFP the reality of your business. We don’t sell static tools. We are presence to deliver advisory, technical and support services 24
Assesses the significance of ILI-reported features on the immediate integrity of the continually evolving the science of pipeline integrity, and the hours a day. Whenever and wherever you need us, we’ll be there
pipeline and develops remediation schedules to manage longer-term integrity benefit to you is the most comprehensive suite of solutions – equipped with the highest level of experience and technology
available. every time.
PipeRuncom
Enables automated comparison of two ILI data sets to find and evaluate defect-to-defect
corrosion growth along an entire pipeline Total service Continuous improvement
A successful inspection is just the beginning. The real objective is A triumph in one area can lead to remarkable enhancements
to enhance the long-term integrity of your pipeline. The breadth in the next, so we leave no stone unturned. As we transform
of our expertise is always at your disposal – from Fitness-for- in-field discoveries into new software utilities, we use other
Coordinate all activities with PipeView Integrity Purpose assessments and mapping surveys to remediation programming innovations to increase our data resolution and
PipeView™ Integrity provides the most advanced, risk-based approach to pipeline services and long-term integrity planning. Different tools with inspection efficiency. Because so many environmental and
integrity management – and enables an optimal balance of safety and regulatory different specifications can be used depending on different operational factors are beyond your control – our job is to
compliance. situations. maximize control everywhere it is possible. And we’ve been doing
just that for over 35 years.

Unmatched experience
Our teams have inspected more pipelines than any other Integrity services
company, and we maintain the industry’s most extensive and Our pipeline services go far beyond data gathering. We have the
detailed database of pipeline defects. We’ve inspected over experience and resources required to offer complete pipeline
1 million kilometres of pipeline and documented every known integrity solutions from a single source. All our inspection
type of pipewall anomaly. This experience, combined with a services are grounded in the most advanced technology and
steadfast commitment to technological advancement, enables statistically significant procedures available. The information
us to identify and predict changes in pipewall condition with the provides a solid, highly detailed foundation upon which future
utmost accuracy. pipeline integrity can be monitored, maintained and improved.
PII Pipeline Solutions geoilandgas.com/pii
a GE Oil & Gas and Al Shaheen joint venture
The information contained herein is general in nature and is not
intended for specific construction, installation or application
Western Europe and Africa
purposes. GE reserves the right to make changes in specifications
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North America
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77041-4040 USA
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T2B 3R2 Canada
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For complete contact information,

please refer to our website.

PII_MetalLoss_JV_112514