PROCESS & PIPELINE SERVICES
The quality and the right sequence of pipeline pre-commissioning activities are critically important for further safe operation of hydrocarbon pipelines. Implementation of correct procedures and compliance with the latest industry standards during pipeline construction and commissioning minimises the operational risks in future.
As a turn-key solution provider VERECO is not only offering the services for In-Line inspection using the most advanced existing technologies, but also complementing these services with the wide range of pre-commissioning activities such as:
- Pipeline flooding;
- Dewatering & swabbing;
- Hydro- and pneumatic testing;
- Pipeline drying;
- Nitrogen purging, drying & packing;
- Pipeline cleaning, gauging & baseline inspection (using N2 as a pigging medium);
- Pipeline mothballing
GEOMETRY INSPECTION
Geometry inspection tools are designed to measure pipeline geometry deviations. Our tools of this kind are equipped with a mechanical measurement system of arms with spring support, touching the inner surface of the pipe. In case of any deviation from the ideal round cross-section of the pipe (like dent, ovality, wrinkles etc) the arms change their positions and readings are recorded. Since all our geometry inspection tools are multichannel, we are not just able to detect the internal diameter reductions, but also to identify particular anomalies and their shape.
We possess a fleet of Geometry inspection tools ranging from 6” to 56”.
MFL INSPECTION
The most widespread type of intelligent inspection is MFL (Magnetic Flux Leakage) technology. The first MFL inspection tool was made commercially available in 1969. These tools are equipped with a powerful magnet system designed to ensure full saturation of the pipe wall with magnetic flux. MFL tools also carry a set of sensors detecting changes in magnetic flux when the tool passes locations with metal loss and associated anomalies. These changes are recorded and later evaluated to determine the actual dimensions of metal loss caused in most cases by corrosive processes.
Our MFL tools are available in various configurations ranging from 4” to 56” in diameter. We also have custom solutions for heavy wall pipelines, aggressive environments, long distances etc.
TFI INSPECTION
Conventional MFL tools have certain limited capability to detect some defects of specific shape – longitudinally oriented, like tunnel corrosion, seam weld anomalies etc. In order to detect and size such defects TFI inspection tools were designed. TFI technology is also based on using the strong magnetic systems, however, the magnets are mounted in such a manner that they magnetise pipe wall circumferentially, not axially, as MFL does. Thus, magnetic flux is significantly distorted in axially oriented defects and accordingly TFI tools reliably detect and size these defects with better accuracy, being also capable to detect and size metal loss like general corrosion.
TFI tools sizes are available in the range of 6”-56”.
UT WM INSPECTION
UT WM is a widely known and accepted NDT method. It is based on the direct measurement of thickness of material using UT transducers emitting signal which is reflected from inner and outer surface of the sample. Thus, UT transducers mounted on an in-line inspection tool emit signals to the pipewall reflecting from inner and outer pipe wall surface and travelling back to the transducer. Measured time difference in receiving echoes ensures reliable sizing of actual wall thickness meaning that any metal loss will be accurately measured as well as mid wall anomalies like laminations. Quantity of transducers are sufficient to ensure highest resolution of anomalies length and width sizing too.
UT technology does not have practical limitation with regard to maximum pipe wall thickness
We have a fleet of UT tools covering nominal pipeline sizes from 6” to 32”
UT CD INSPECTION
Ultrasonic crack detection tools are sophisticated equipment designed for detection and sizing of crack-like anomalies. They are based on the technique similar to UT wall thickness measurement, however the sensors are mounted at a sharp angle to the pipe inner surface, so the emitted signal does not travel straight back to the transducer – its path is more complicated due to multiple reflections in the pipe wall.
Since the signal enters the pipe wall at an angle then it is reflected also from planar two-dimensional anomalies like radial or circumferential cracks. Thus, the UTCD are able to detect and size cracks and colonies of cracks.
Vereco is one of the few companies in the market owning the range of UT CD tools from 8” to 32”. Also there is an option to combine UT WM and UT CD modules in one COMBO tool in order to carry out both types of UT inspection in one run