Inspection of Pipelines

The in-line inspection of pipelines has been the domain of magnetic flux leakage
(MFL) tools for half a century; however, there are many pipelines that cannot be
inspected with MFL or Ultrasonic tools. Internal scale, tubercles and deposits in water
and sewer pipes; lined pipelines (cement, HDPE, epoxy etc.), low-flow conditions in oil
pipelines; elbows and pipes with multiple diameters can be insurmountable challenges
for MFL tools.
For the past decade, Remote Field Technology (RFT) has been increasingly applied in
these challenging conditions with good success.
We specialize in deploying RFT for in-line inspection of unpiggable pipelines. RFT tools
may be used in a tethered mode (useful for distances up to 3 km) or in a free-
swimming mode (distances up to 30 km), in all sizes of pipelines with wall thickness up
to 16mm (steel) and 30mm (cast-iron). RFT tools have been developed for many
different pipeline sizes and materials. Lines as small as 50mm and as large as 1981mm
have been successfully inspected.

e in pipeline Cement Mortar lined pipelines HDPE lined (thick or thin, “Tightliner
pipelines Finite element model of Remote Field A Russell 24" RFT Tool is prepared
Technology

Our Tools have no parts that are in contact with the pipe, except for soft urethane
centralizers. All sensors, electronics, batteries, and memory are contained in stainless
steel pressure housings. The Tools contain no magnets and are moved with very little
differential pressure through the pipeline.

detected in oil pipeline Typical tool data display showing local pitting External graphitization detected in c
defects pipeline
 Advantages of RFT Technology for In-Line Inspection
Tools:
 Equal sensitivity to ID and OD pits, erosion and cracks
 Minimal pre-cleaning required: works through liners, scale and other deposits
 Needs no couplant, can be pushed with any medium (water is preferred for good speed
control)
 No magnetic attraction to pipe, so very little differential pressure needed for propulsion
 Does not have sensors in contact with the pipe, so no damage to epoxy or cement
liners
 Plenty of clearance (up to 2", 50mm) for good cornering ability
 Low flow and other un-piggable lines are our specialty