Technical Paper

Abstract

This Technical Paper addresses a critical challenge in In-Line Inspection (ILI) of pipelines ensuring accurate detection, identification, and sizing of defects. After ILI of pipeline only a small fraction of defects with high Estimated Repair Factor (ERF) values are physically verified. This verification is only possible for defects reported during inspection run. It’s impossible to know about what has not been detected leaving defects that exist but are not reported. Probability of Detection (POD), Probability of Identification (POI), Confidence Level (CL) and Sizing Accuracy quantify the reliability of inspection tool. The values of these parameters should be verifiable and must fall within an acceptable range. Unfortunately, these parameters often do not receive adequate attention during the evaluation of In Line Inspection tools, potentially compromising the reliability of inspection service. Extensive Pull-Through-Tests ensure POD, POI, CL, and Sizing accuracy of inspection tools as per global standards. This paper concludes by presenting methods that can be taken to ensure reliable performance of In Line Inspection tools before they are deployed for field inspection.

Authors: Varun Nidhi & Aakash Mittal

Kinben Innovation Private Limited, Gurugram, India