There’s no doubt that oil and gas (O&G) pipelines are some of the most expensive assets that can cost upwards of millions, even billions of dollars.
However, it also poses a risk to densely populated urban and ecologically sensitive areas where it commonly traverses.
This is where piping inspection services come in, with the main aim of preventing and avoiding pipeline failures that do not only cause harm or damage but can also be catastrophic with dire consequences to both human and natural environments.
This is much different compared to water tank inspection services that serve its purpose of ensuring the quality and safety of water tanks, as well as limiting its coverage only to water storage and holding tank facilities.
With the growing demand for oil and gas supplies due to a rising global population, this is also equated by heightened safety risks, unless stricter regulations are guaranteed to ensure the safety of O&G pipelines wherever they may be.
Why Is A Piping Inspection Service Important?
Piping inspection services are crucial since it takes into consideration the required structural condition assessment through regular and accurate evaluation of containment to reduce the risk of failure, ensure the performance of the O&G pipelines, and address areas that could strengthen and extend the life of pipeline assets.
Inspecting the O&G pipelines on frequent and consistent intervals greatly helps in preventing the occurrence of pipeline failures and other issues.
For instance, during inspections, engineers would be able to identify basic and multi-level corrosion issues that could cause problems if left unchecked and not corrected.
Common Pipeline Inspection Checkpoints
Piping inspectors are not your usual run-of-the-mill plumbers or handymen rather, they are specially and expertly trained to conduct such inspections. They go through rigorous training, evaluation, and hands-on program to ensure that technical, physical, and scientific principles are properly carried out to ensure optimum results.
Here are some of the basic yet practical pipeline inspection procedures;
- Follow-up inspections of previously checked pipelines.
- Inspection and assessment of data generated from inspection tools such as Magnetic Flux Leakage.
- Inspection, assessment, and evaluation of data using ultrasound technology.
- Identification and interpretation of the different pipeline structures and components.
- Inspection and evaluation of internal and external corrosion presence and prevention.
- Assess and evaluate the presence of dents, cracks, bends, etc.
- Inspection of joint or connecting welds.
- Identify and assess the integrity of the existing seam and girth welds.
A small diameter pipesthis site would be able to effectively detect and analyze pipeline failures or potential risks, which are supported by data provided by the tools used during the inspections.
Having an effective and efficient piping inspection services team to stay on top of the process, it can guarantee the safety and integrity of pipelines to preserve and protect people and the environment.
