CMI — CURRENT MAGNETOMETRY INSPECTION
Award-winning inspection and survey solution for buried pipelines
Discover the power of CMI, a patented, globally recognized, and certified inspection and survey method designed to transform the way you assess your buried pipelines' condition. Our innovative technology operates remotely from the earth's surface, maximizing data output while minimizing costs and preparation time.
WHY PARTNER WITH EMPIT FOR CMI?
- Access cutting-edge solutions for condition assessment of difficult-to-inspect or unpiggable pipelines
- Utilize combined seamless surveys to enhance data quality and gain insights into your underground assets
- Streamline your operations and digitize your pipelines for increased efficiency and improved decision-making
WHAT TYPES OF PIPELINES CAN BE INSPECTED?
CMI can inspect all types of buried pipelines made of ferromagnetic material, regardless of the transported product. Specific service limitations are determined on a case-by-case basis and can be discussed with one of our expert inspection specialists.
Ready to revolutionize your buried pipeline inspection process? Contact EMPIT for more information and discover how our award-winning CMI technology can help you optimize your pipeline management.
»Compared to ILI: no operational interruptions, no preparations, no extra personnel.«
Ruslans Sarkevic | VTTI Terminals

KEY BENEFITS OF CMI
A technology developed to ensure safe pipeline operation, and to detect metal loss in the pipe wall.
A "no-dig" technology that works remotely from the earth's surface.
No pipeline shutdown during inspection. No additional equipment, no pipeline preparation, no complicated planning.
Officially certified, excessively lab and field tested, and known to be the most reliable technology for challenging pipeline diagnostics from above ground.
Patented, certified, and used by major pipeline operators around the world for the inspection of unpiggable pipelines.
An advanced inspection tool that overcomes limitations of modern Inline Inspection (ILI) tools and can be implemented into the ECDA procedure.
MANDATORY PREPARATION BY OUR CLIENTS
Max. distance between two contact points
1,000 m
Max. height of vegetation above pipeline
20 cm
Removal of large obstacles
Such as bushes, fences and buildings
Accessibility of the inspection route, incl. landowner permissions
The distance between inspection cables and pipeline should not be less than 15 m
Pipelines located under traffic roads
Roadblocks or transportable traffic signal systems should be installed
WHAT CAN CMI OFFER?
THE MOST POWERFUL ALL-IN ONE SOLUTION FOR REMOTE MAPPING AND INSPECTION OF BURIED PIPELINES.
The Physics of CMI
Advancing Electromagnetic Technology for Remote Pipeline Inspection
The Current Magnetometry Inspection (CMI) method represents a significant advancement in the field of pipeline inspection research. Employed by leading pipeline operators across the globe, CMI has facilitated the successful inspection of thousands of kilometers of pipelines. This innovative method was developed through extensive collaboration with multiple pipeline operators, addressing their unique needs and overcoming existing challenges in pipeline inspection.
As a state-of-the-art electromagnetic survey technique, EMPIT specializes in the measurement and interpretation of electromagnetic far-fields. This expertise proves crucial when conducting Over-the-Line (OtL) inspections, where the distance between sensors and the test object can extend to several meters. Ensuring a high signal-to-noise ratio is essential for the accurate interpretation of far-field data.
CMI leverages the fundamental physical principle that a circular conductor generates a circular magnetic field when a current is passed through it. Anomalies in the pipeline wall lead to measurable anomalies in the magnetic field, which is applicable for horizontal and vertical bends, geometry changes, and metal loss in the pipe wall. As a result, EMPIT's advanced algorithms can translate the electromagnetic data into valuable insights for integrity and mapping assessments.
By utilizing in-house developed high-tech measurement equipment, intelligent analog and digital filtering, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for data post-processing, CMI addresses significant industry challenges. This groundbreaking technology introduces a globally unique technique to the market, paving the way to survey the future and inspect the previously unpiggable.


It’s for a reason that we are amongst Germany’s Top 100 innovators. Because our mission is to overcome these inspection challenges and, together with our clients, continuously improve the safety and reliability of all pipelines.