Publications

Intelligent pigging is a well-known method for pipeline in-line inspection to detect metal loss and other defects as part of pipeline integrity assurance. The most common technology is using magnetic flux leakage (MFL) or Ultrasonic (UT) technologies. However, running an intelligent pig can be considered as complex & costly activities due to the weight and dimension of the inspection equipment. Risk identified related to running intelligent pig includes having pig stuck, production interruption due to back pressure, heavy lifting, and requirement to clean the pipeline prior running the IP are the anticipated risk, which may lead to disruptive operations. Further, some facilities require modification of pig traps, elbows, and working space to accommodate the required equipment dimension, which involves a significant additional capital. The total cost could be significantly high. Eddy Current Inspection Pig appears to be an alternative method for pipeline in-line inspection. It utilizes regular cleaning pig equipment with electronic inserts. It allows simple operations, and minimize risk of production interruption. This is expected to eventually lead to lower total cost. Greater advantages were identified especially for low pressure - low flow pipelines, where running common intelligent pig will be a challenging issue. The paper describes the advantage of Eddy Current Inspection Pig and program to have lower pipeline inspection cost and minimize risk of operations disruptions to maintain standard of pipeline integrity fit-for-purpose.