Pipeline inline inspection (ILI), commonly called smart pigging, is the process of sending instrumented devices through the interior of a pipeline to assess its condition.

Pipeline inline inspection (ILI), commonly called smart pigging, is the process of sending instrumented devices through the interior of a pipeline to assess its condition. ILI tools detect corrosion, metal loss, cracks, dents, geometry changes, and other integrity threats — producing detailed data maps of the pipeline’s internal and external wall condition.

ILI is considered the gold standard for pipeline inspection, but it requires piggable pipelines with appropriate geometry, facilities, and flow conditions. Common ILI limitations include multi-diameter pipes, tight bends, no launcher/receiver, low flow, and internal obstructions.

When ILI is not feasible, EMPIT’s Current Magnetometry Inspection (CMI) delivers comparable integrity data through non-invasive aboveground inspection. CMI detects corrosion, geometry anomalies, and coating defects from the surface — providing actionable inspection results for the estimated 30-50% of global pipelines that cannot be inspected with conventional inline tools.