An unpiggable pipeline is one that cannot be inspected using conventional inline inspection (ILI) tools due to design, operational, or access limitations.

An unpiggable pipeline is one that cannot be inspected using conventional inline inspection (ILI) tools due to design, operational, or access limitations. An estimated 30–50% of global pipelines are classified as unpiggable — representing a massive inspection gap in pipeline integrity management.

Top reasons pipelines become unpiggable:
• Tight or variable bends — sharp radius or back-to-back bends block pig passage.
• Multi-diameter sections — diameter changes prevent consistent pig travel.
• No launcher/receiver — older pipelines lack pig trap facilities.
• Unbarred tees and dead legs — branch connections trap pigs.
• Low or no flow — insufficient pressure to propel the pig.
• Small diameter — pipes below 6" limit available ILI tools.
• Internal obstructions — valves, debris, or bore restrictions.
• Offshore/subsea access — limited launch points for pigging operations.

EMPIT developed Current Magnetometry Inspection (CMI) specifically to solve the unpiggable challenge. CMI inspects pipelines from the surface — requiring no internal access, no flow, no launchers, and no minimum diameter. Whether onshore, offshore, or subsea, CMI delivers comprehensive integrity data for pipelines that ILI tools simply cannot reach.