Pipeline inspection is the systematic process of examining pipeline systems to assess structural integrity, detect defects, and ensure safe, compliant operation.

Pipeline inspection is the systematic process of examining pipeline systems to assess structural integrity, detect defects, and ensure safe, compliant operation. It is the core activity within pipeline integrity management programs and encompasses a wide range of technologies and methods.

Major pipeline inspection categories include:
• Inline Inspection (ILI / Smart Pigging) — internal inspection using MFL, UT, and caliper pigs.
• External Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA) — DCVG, ACVG, CP surveys, and soil analysis.
• Aboveground Inspection — non-invasive surface-based methods including Current Magnetometry Inspection (CMI).
• Direct Assessment — targeted excavation and examination.
• Aerial/UAV Inspection — drone-based surveillance and data collection.

EMPIT’s CMI technology represents a paradigm shift in pipeline inspection — providing high-resolution corrosion detection, 3D geometry mapping, depth of cover assessment, and coating evaluation from the surface. CMI is particularly valuable for unpiggable pipelines, enabling inspection of assets that were previously inaccessible to conventional methods.