CMI CORROSION ASSESSMENT

A UNIQUE-WORLDWIDE SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR UNPIGGABLES

CHALLENGE

Many older pipelines around the world remain hidden challenges. They cannot be inspected with traditional In-Line Inspection (ILI) tools due to various design features (e.g. tight bends, multi-diameters, plug valves) and operational constraints such as low/no flow, or the impossibility to interrupt supply. Many of these pipelines are located in high-impact areas – and operators face a significant challenge: How to effortlessly inspect unpiggable pipelines?

EXTERNAL CORROSION DIRECT ASSESSMENT (ECDA)

ECDA is a structured approach specifically designed to assess the integrity of unpiggable pipelines with respect to external corrosion. As part of a comprehensive pipeline integrity management program, ECDA aims to ensure the safe operation of pipelines that cannot be inspected using traditional in-line tools. By integrating CMI's cutting-edge electromagnetic survey technique into the ECDA's structured approach, the result is, for the first time, a holistic view of a pipeline's external corrosion, while overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.

LIMITATIONS OF CONVENTIONAL METHODS

Traditional Direct Current Voltage Gradient (DCVG) and Alternating Current Voltage Gradient (ACVG) techniques have long served as standard methods for detecting coating defects on pipelines. Yet, these techniques falter when measured against the rigorous criteria of phase 2 of the ANSI/NACE SP052 standard. While adept at identifying coating defects, they fall short in conveying the active corrosion state of those defects. This limitation stems not just from the inapplicability of the IR-Free potential measurement concept, particularly with smaller defects, but also from a broader scope of technological constraints. Merely identifying a defect, without discerning its corrosion status, leaves operators grappling with uncertainties regarding the pipeline's true risk. In an industry where precision and clarity are paramount, an over-reliance on DCVG and ACVG can introduce substantial blind spots in your pipeline corrosion assessment.

SOLUTION

Navigating the intricate challenges of pipeline assessment, EMPIT presents the Current Magnetometry Inspection (CMI). This innovative technique allows for remote assessment of pipeline conditions without direct contact. What sets CMI apart is its ability to evaluate the external conditions of pipelines from the earth's surface, bridging the gaps left by traditional ILI tools.

The pinnacle of CMI's capability lies in its precision. While most methods leave uncertainties regarding active corrosion, CMI provides definitive insights into the presence or absence of active corrosion. This provides operators with a clearer picture, reducing ambiguity in an industry where clarity is paramount.

With EMPIT's expertise, clients gain access to focused integrity services that emphasize external threats such as general corrosion. This ensures that even unpiggable pipelines have their integrity maintained and understood, aligning with the industry's rigorous standards and regulations.

Our customers use CMI Corrosion Assessment for pipelines that cannot be inspected using traditional ILI tools and where the pipeline integrity is mostly unknown.

KEY POINTS

Enables the remote and non-invasive inspection of all ferromagnetic pipelines
Comprehensive solution for unpiggable pipeline challenges using ECDA
Pinpoint detection of active external corrosion
Provides clarity and precision where conventional methods falter

Active corrosion detected with CMI

Replaced pipes

Verification of corrosive spots

ILLUSTRATIVE VISUALIZATION OF ANOMALY DETECTION

CMI allows to differentiate between punctual anomalies and areas with an increased probability of pipeline wall failure. This makes prioritization of anomalies as well as budget planning for needed actions and replacements more efficient.

CMI meets ECDA

CMI and the ECDA Process: A Perfect Alignment for Buried Pipeline Assessment

The External Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA) process is a structured approach to ensure the integrity of buried pipelines by focusing on external corrosion. The process consists of four key steps: Pre-Assessment, Indirect Inspection, Direct Examination, and Post-Assessment. Here's how CMI seamlessly integrates with each phase:

1. Pre-Assessment
In this initial stage, historical data about the pipeline and its operational environment are gathered. CMI technology, with its advanced electromagnetic survey technique, offers a comprehensive understanding of the pipeline's current condition. By digitally mapping the buried pipelines, CMI can provide a starting point, outlining areas that might be prone to corrosion based on its history and current condition.

2. Indirect Inspection
This step involves tools and techniques to identify areas of concern without directly examining the pipeline. CMI excels here. Operating remotely from the earth's surface, it detects variations in the pipeline's magnetic field. Anomalies in this field, which arise from imperfections like corrosion in the pipeline wall, can be identified without any excavation. This non-invasive approach minimizes costs, preparation time, and operational disruptions, making it superior to traditional methods.

3. Direct Examination
Should any concerns arise from the indirect inspection, the pipeline is then unearthed for direct examination. Although CMI is an above-ground solution, its precision in detecting anomalies ensures that direct examinations are highly targeted. By accurately pinpointing potential corrosion sites, CMI reduces unnecessary digging and ensures only genuinely problematic areas are exposed for closer inspection.

4. Post-Assessment
After the required examinations and any necessary interventions, the final step is to review and document the findings. The insights gained from the CMI technology provide a detailed post-assessment report. By translating electromagnetic data into actionable insights, CMI offers a depth of understanding beyond traditional integrity tools, empowering better future decision-making and predictive maintenance.

Conclusion
CMI and the ECDA process complement each other perfectly. While ECDA offers a structured methodology for corrosion assessment, CMI brings cutting-edge technology that makes the process more efficient, accurate, and less intrusive. Together, they ensure the safety and longevity of buried pipelines, revolutionizing the standards in the pipeline industry.