Inline Inspection (ILI) — also known as smart pigging — is the primary method for internally assessing pipeline condition using instrumented devices (pigs) that travel through the pipeline under product flow.

Inline Inspection (ILI) — also known as smart pigging — is the primary method for internally assessing pipeline condition using instrumented devices (pigs) that travel through the pipeline under product flow. ILI detects corrosion, cracks, dents, geometry anomalies, and metal loss with high accuracy.

Main ILI technologies include:
• Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) — detects metal loss and corrosion.
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT) — measures wall thickness and detects cracks.
• Caliper/Geometry tools — measures pipeline diameter and deformation.
• Combined tools — multiple technologies in a single run.

ILI requires piggable pipelines with consistent diameter, pig launchers/receivers, adequate flow, and no obstructions. An estimated 30-50% of the world’s pipelines are considered unpiggable due to design limitations, making alternative inspection methods essential.

For unpiggable pipelines, EMPIT’s Current Magnetometry Inspection (CMI) provides a comprehensive aboveground alternative — delivering corrosion detection, 3D geometry mapping, and integrity data without internal tools, excavation, or shutdowns. CMI is designed specifically for the pipelines that ILI cannot reach.