Frequently
Asked Questions
Find what you need to know about our services and technology.
EMPIT is a pipeline inspection company that specializes in non-invasive, above-ground inspection of buried pipelines. Using its proprietary CMI (Current Magnetometry Inspection) technology, EMPIT detects and classifies corrosion defects—distinguishing active from passivated corrosion—on pipelines that cannot be inspected with conventional inline tools. No excavation or operational shutdowns required.
CMI (Current Magnetometry Inspection) is EMPIT's proprietary above-ground inspection method. A multi-frequency AC waveform (2 Hz – 2 kHz) is injected into the pipeline via existing CP posts, and up to 70 tri-axial magnetometers measure the resulting magnetic field from the surface. Using patented spectrum analysis, CMI distinguishes between active and passivated corrosion, detects coating defects, and maps pipeline geometry in 3D—all without excavation, product shutdowns, or physical contact with the pipe.
EMPIT is the only company offering full above-ground pipeline inspection using Current Magnetometry. Unlike inline inspection (ILI), CMI requires no pipeline modifications, no product shutdowns, and no excavation. Its patented spectrum analysis distinguishes active corrosion from passivated defects—a qualification no other above-ground method provides. Combined with versatile carrier systems (drones, handheld devices, autonomous boats) and AI-driven data processing, this capability is unique to EMPIT.
EMPIT detects and classifies pipeline corrosion from above ground using CMI. A multi-frequency AC waveform is injected into the pipeline and measured at the surface using magnetometers. Through patented spectrum analysis, CMI distinguishes between active corrosion (ohmic current attenuation indicating bare steel in soil contact with ongoing metal loss) and passivated corrosion (capacitive current leakage indicating a protective calcareous film blocking the corrosion cell). Each defect is GPS-georeferenced so operators know exactly where active threats require intervention and where passivated defects need only monitoring.
Inline Inspection (ILI) tools—smart pigs—must travel inside the pipeline, requiring launcher/receiver stations, compatible geometry, and often a product shutdown. Many pipelines cannot accommodate ILI due to diameter restrictions, bends, or lack of infrastructure. CMI inspects entirely from above ground with no tool insertion, no modification, and no shutdown. A key differentiator: CMI classifies each corrosion defect as active or passivated, telling operators which defects are driving metal loss and which are stable—enabling targeted intervention instead of blanket repair programs. For piggable lines, CMI serves as a complementary screening method between ILI runs.
EMPIT's Black Copter drones carry modular magnetometer arrays and fly directly over pipeline routes. They are deployed where ground-based inspection is impractical—at water crossings, on steep slopes, in restricted zones, or over difficult terrain. Equipped with GPS, LiDAR, radar, IMU, and magnetic field sensor arrays, the drones perform 3D mapping, corrosion detection, bending strain analysis, and depth-of-cover profiling from the air—quickly and without disruption to pipeline operations.
EMPIT uses deep-fusion AI and machine learning models to process massive magnetic field datasets in near-real time. The AI system classifies signal patterns—distinguishing active corrosion from passivated defects, identifying coating holidays, and detecting external interference. Processing starts in the field and scales into the cloud, enabling fast, field-ready analysis. Human expert review validates all AI-generated findings before delivery.
EMPIT ensures data accuracy through a three-stage quality process: (1) up to 70 tri-axial sensors sampling at 20,000 data points per second capture high-resolution magnetic field data; (2) proprietary AI and machine learning models filter environmental noise, correct for soil conditions, and classify anomaly signatures as active or passivated; (3) certified inspection engineers validate all findings before final reporting. Each deliverable undergoes documented quality assurance.
CMI pipeline inspection offers five key advantages: (1) fully non-invasive—no excavation, no shutdowns, no product interruption; (2) works on unpiggable pipelines where ILI tools cannot operate; (3) classifies corrosion as active or passivated, eliminating unnecessary digs on stable defects; (4) significantly lower cost than hydrostatic testing, direct assessment digs, or pipeline retrofitting for ILI; (5) delivers georeferenced integrity data that integrates into ECDA workflows and aligns with ISO 15589-1.
EMPIT's CMI technology inspects buried pipelines made of ferromagnetic material—steel, ductile iron, and grey iron—regardless of diameter, age, coating type, or transported product. Standard inspection depth is up to 7 meters onshore; offshore pipelines can be assessed to depths of up to 50 meters using the Yellowfin autonomous boat. CMI is effective even on pipelines with new-generation coatings including high-resistance epoxy and multi-layer systems. Specific project parameters are confirmed during project scoping.
EMPIT provides pipeline inspection services across these industries: oil and gas (transmission, distribution, and gathering lines), water and wastewater utilities, district heating and cooling networks, energy terminals and tank farm piping, nuclear power plant piping systems, hydrogen transportation infrastructure, and chemical and petrochemical plant pipelines. Any operator managing buried ferromagnetic pipelines—steel, ductile iron, or grey iron—can benefit from CMI inspection.
Yes. CMI technology can identify active leaks by detecting electromagnetic field disturbances where product escapes through pipe wall defects. Leak indications are georeferenced and included in the inspection report alongside corrosion classification and coating condition findings. This allows operators to address leaks as part of a comprehensive integrity response rather than requiring a separate leak survey campaign.
After a CMI inspection, operators receive a comprehensive report package including: a georeferenced anomaly map with active/passivated classification of each corrosion defect, a coating condition assessment detecting up to 10x more coating holidays than conventional over-the-line surveys, 3D pipeline alignment and depth-of-cover profiles, bending strain analysis where applicable, and an executive summary with recommended actions and intervention priorities. All data is delivered in digital formats compatible with GIS systems and ECDA programs.
CMI inspection operates within these standard parameters: maximum daily coverage of up to 10,000 m per survey run, minimum detectable corrosion defect area down to < 1 mm², standard onshore burial depth up to 7 m (up to 50 m offshore with the Yellowfin), and pipeline material must be ferromagnetic. Preparation requires access to existing CP posts for current injection. All parameters are reviewed with the operator during project scoping. Technical details.
An unpiggable pipeline is a pipeline that cannot be inspected using conventional inline inspection (ILI) tools—often due to diameter restrictions, tight bends, lack of launcher/receiver stations, or continuous operation requirements. Over 50% of the world's transmission pipelines are estimated to be unpiggable. These assets still require integrity assessment for corrosion and regulatory compliance. EMPIT's CMI technology was developed specifically for this challenge: it inspects unpiggable pipelines entirely from above ground, classifying corrosion as active or passivated without retrofitting, shutdowns, or excavation.
CMI reduces costs and downtime by combining corrosion classification, coating assessment, and leak detection in a single above-ground survey—eliminating excavation, shutdowns, and separate campaigns. By distinguishing active from passivated corrosion, CMI eliminates unnecessary digs on stable defects, concentrating repair budgets on real threats. Compared to hydrostatic testing (requiring shutdown), direct assessment digs (requiring excavation), or ILI retrofitting (requiring infrastructure), CMI delivers actionable integrity data at a fraction of the cost and time.
A typical CMI inspection covers up to 10,000 meters per day under standard conditions. Total project duration depends on pipeline length, terrain complexity, and accessibility. A 5 km pipeline inspection, including mobilization, survey, and data processing, typically takes 1–2 weeks from project start to final report delivery. Drone-based surveys may require additional time for flight planning and clearance. EMPIT provides a detailed project timeline during the scoping phase.
Preparation for a CMI inspection involves four steps: (1) provide pipeline data—diameter, material, burial depth, length, and route maps or GIS files; (2) identify existing CP posts and prepare current injection and grounding points along the pipeline route; (3) complete a joint safety review covering site access, permits, and any hazardous area requirements; (4) coordinate scheduling, including third-party access or landowner notifications. EMPIT's project management team guides operators through each step and provides a preparation checklist during scoping.
Yes. EMPIT delivers structured inspection data that integrates directly into existing Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS) and ECDA workflows. CMI aligns with ISO 15589-1 and is designed to be ECDA-ready. Data includes georeferenced anomaly locations with active/passivated classification and recommended actions—enabling operators to incorporate results into risk-based inspection planning and repair prioritization without additional data conversion.
Yes. CMI is ECDA-ready and aligns with ISO 15589-1, the international standard for cathodic protection of pipeline transport systems. Inspection reports are structured to support ECDA programs, regulatory filings, and risk-based integrity planning. EMPIT operates globally and adapts to local regulatory frameworks across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.