Author: PRCI
Through its Operations & Integrity Technical Committee, PRCI is implementing a project to evaluate data and establish the reliability of in-line inspection (ILI) crack detection tools. The project will include a complete and comprehensive study of existing ILI and NDE/in ditch data that is available from pipeline operators to establish the performance reliability of detecting, identifying, and sizing/characterizing cracking and crack-like features in pipelines. Over the past several years, there have been a number of pipeline failure incidents that have been attributed to the presence of cracks/crack like features. These features have been in the body of the pipeline as well as girth welds and longitudinal seam welds. As a result of these incidents, the detection and characterization of cracks in pipelines has become a high-profile issue and is the subject of substantial attention in the pipeline industry.
The project being initiated by PRCI is in direct response to the recent focus on ILI tool performance regarding detection, identification, and sizing and characterization of cracks and crack like features in pipelines. There is a substantial body of data available through existing pipeline operator records and integrity management programs that demonstrate the effective performance of ILI tools for detecting and characterizing cracks. While most of the recent failures have occurred after ILI tools have been run through the pipelines, the number of these incidents relative to total mileage of pipelines that have been inspected is extremely low and the ILI crack tools (and the related data analysis and other components of the overall ILI process) generally perform at a very high level. Existing operator records can be evaluated to demonstrate that ILI tools of been used effectively to detect features and make repair/remediation decisions based on the data.
The project is focusing on data mining and analysis of existing industry data and information and not the development of new data. This PRCI project is being implemented to compile and consolidate existing industry data from pipeline operators that have substantial experience running ILI crack tools and use these data to define the performance capability and reliability of ILI technologies for detecting and characterizing cracks and crack-like features.
Successful implementation and completion of this project is of substantial importance to PRCI’s member companies and, more broadly, the pipeline industry. This project will establish a basis and industry standard for collection, compilation, management, and analysis of ILI data for all feature types. PRCI expects to utilize the processes and procedures developed under this ILI crack tool reliability evaluation to the evaluation of other ILI data for a range of features as part of the comprehensive program being conducted on ILI Enhancements and Improvements within PRCI.
Considering the importance of this work across the pipeline industry, PRCI is seeking to engage non-member companies that may have data to contribute to the study and will execute Participation Agreements for any non-member company that can bring valuable information in support of the study. Information regarding the project can be obtained by contacting Mark Piazza, PRCI Director of Pipeline Programs.