Pipeline Inspection and Anomaly Detection

Introduction

• This document specifies the advised operational and reporting requirements for tools used for geometric measurement, mapping, metal loss, crack or other anomaly detection during their passage through pipelines.

Definitions and Abbreviations

• This document defines the terms related to in-line inspection of pipelines.
• Definitions include terms like Anomaly, Buckle, Casing, Certainty, Client, Cluster, Colony, Crack, Dent, Gouge, ILI, Local Buckle, Metal Loss, Ovality, Pipeline, Probability Of Detection, Probability of Identification, Ripple/Wrinkle, Roof Topping/peaking.
• Several abbreviations are defined for common technical terms and organizations.
• Definitions are grouped into the following categories: General, Definitions, Abbreviations, Parameters and interaction, Anomaly Assessment, and Resolution of measurement parameters.

Parameters and Interaction of Anomalies

• Detailed descriptions are given for typical pipeline anomalies.
• These include Metal Loss, Dent, Gouge, Ovality, Buckle, Ripple/Wrinkle, Roof Topping/peaking, Crack and crack-like, and Crack colonies.
• The document describes the interaction of different anomalies types, emphasizing the importance of considering the combined effect of multiple anomalies within a single area.

Anomaly Assessment

• This section focuses on the assessment of detected anomalies including interaction rules and severity indication.
• It details how to assess the severity of individual anomalies, or clusters of anomalies, based on the extent of damage and potential impact on pipeline integrity.

Health and Safety

• This section discusses the health and safety standards that need to be adhered to during in-line inspections.
• The standards include ATEX and IECEx for ensuring safe operation of equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Tool Specifications

• The document outlines the requirements for the ILI tool specifications.
• These include general tool data sheets, the tool class history, and tool performance specifications.

Tool Performance Specification

• Tool performance specifications define the ability of the ILI system to detect, locate, identify, and size pipeline features, components and anomalies.
• The specifications are typically linked to the inspection technology applied (e.g. UT, MFL, EC, EMAT or mapping).
• The document requires the performance specification to comply with requirements given in API 1163, chapter 6.

Tool Performance Verification

• The document details the process and requirements for verifying and validating the performance of ILI tools.
• These include the probability of detection (POD), probability of identification (POI), and measurement specifications for different types of anomalies.
• The document explains the difference between POD90/50 and POD90/95 and emphasizes the importance of clearly stating which POD value is being used.

Personnel Qualification

• The document highlights the importance of qualified personnel for conducting in-line inspections.
• The document refers to the POF document "Guidance on achieving ILI First Run Success" for further information on personnel qualifications.

ILI Preparation and Contracting

• The key elements of ILI preparation and contracting are described including preparation and contracting procedures.

Reporting

• This section outlines the reporting requirements for in-line inspections.
• It details the structure, content, and timing of different reports, including the operations report, preliminary report, final report, raw data report, multiple run comparisons report, experience report, and additional reporting.

Operations Report

• The operations report should summarize important operational information to inform the client about the success of the inspection and quality of data collected.
• The report follows good practices regarding ILI activities as described in the POF document "Guidance on achieving ILI First Run Success".
• The operations report should be sent electronically to the client before tool demobilization, and ultimately within 2 days of the ILI run unless agreed otherwise.
• It should include information like any reported safety observations, description of the operations and used tools, AGM statistics, cleaning results, gauging/dummy tool run results, details of ILI run including time and date of tool launching and receiving, travelling time, min/max tool velocity and plot over the length of the pipeline, min/max pressure, for MFL tools: min/max magnetization level, and a plot of the magnetic field strength in kA/m over the length of the pipeline measured at the inner surface of the pipe, condition of tool(s) after receipt, data loss statistics from faulty sensors, data recording and quality within contract specifications, and the suitability of the recorded data to allow a successful evaluation.

Preliminary Report

• The preliminary report provides the client with an initial assessment of the inspection results, including a summary of anomalies identified and key findings.

Final Report

• The final report should provide a comprehensive analysis of the inspection results.
• It contains various sections like pipe tally, list of anomalies, list of clusters, data loss and other lists, list of components, summary and statistical data, performance, dig sheet, software and signal, anomaly ranking method for ERF, detection of markers, and personnel qualification.

Raw Data Report

• The raw data report provides the client with the unprocessed data collected during the inspection.

Multiple Run Comparisons Report

• The multiple run comparisons report analyzes and compares data from multiple runs of the ILI tool to identify any changes in pipeline condition or the effectiveness of repair work.

Experience Report

• The experience report documents the lessons learned and insights gained from the in-line inspection process.

Additional Reporting

• The document provides the option for additional reporting based on the specific requirements of the client and the nature of the inspection.

References

• This section lists relevant references and standards referenced in the document.
• These include references to API standards, other relevant industry documents, and technical publications.

Appendix 1

• This section lists the ILI companies that provided comments to the draft version of these specifications.

Appendix 2

• This section provides a guideline to clients for defining specific details of the POF specifications.

Appendix 3

• This section explains the structure, terminology, and acronyms used in the report.

Appendix 4

• This section details the requirements for tool data sheets, providing a comprehensive guide to the information that should be included.

Appendix 5

• This section outlines the tool technology performance specifications for different inspection technologies.

Appendix 6

• This appendix provides a typical example of a pipe tally for a pipeline inspection.

Appendix 7

• This appendix provides a typical example of a list of anomalies found during a pipeline inspection.

Appendix 8

• This appendix provides a typical example of a list of clusters of anomalies identified in a pipeline inspection.

Appendix 9

• This appendix provides a typical example of a run comparison overview for multiple in-line inspections of the same pipeline.

This quiz covers the operational and reporting requirements for tools used in the in-line inspection of pipelines. It includes definitions of key terms, common anomalies, and technical parameters relevant to anomaly detection. Understanding these concepts is essential for effective pipeline maintenance and safety management.