An accurate condition assessment of a pipeline empowers utilities to make the best use of their resources, but it’s important to use the right technology for your asset type.
Information is the key to success in asset management. With finite resources at their disposal, utilities need to ensure that they can allocate their time and budgets where it’s needed the most, especially when it comes to critical pipeline infrastructure.
Condition assessment technology can create a clear overall picture of a pipeline and identify the precise locations of leaks and structural weaknesses, measure corrosion levels and provide data-driven insights into performance and potential remaining life – however it’s important to choose a solution that aligns with the characteristics of your asset.
According to Detection Services Chief Executive Officer, Chris Evans, there is a huge range of technologies available to utilities across Australasia, but not all of them have been validated and some are used incorrectly.
“For example, at Detection Services we offer a number of validated non-invasive technologies for pressurised assets – ranging from air/gas/blockage detection, illegal offtake assessments, wall lining loss and remaining life analysis to autonomous free-floating multi parameter sensors, magnetic flux leakage (MFL) assessments, and laser and Sonar equipment with LIDAR,” he said.
But Mr Evans said that the efficacy of these technologies varies greatly depending on your objectives and the nature of the pipeline. And to choose the right condition assessment solution, utilities need to understand how different variables interact with these technologies.
Material thinking
To get the right outcome and make an informed decision about condition assessment technology, Mr Evans said that utilities need to consider the material, diameter, length and location of the pipeline, as well as its function.
“The material type will begin to dictate the selection criteria, often pipelines are a mix of materials and if this should be the case then it helps define the right technology that will provide the outcome you seek,” he said.
“For example, depending on the outcomes required, Detection Services would suggest that a long-range screening tool like p-CAT™ would be the most appropriate for mild stell cement-lined, asbestos cement, ductile iron, cast iron and pre-stressed concrete pipe.
“However, for GRP and plastic – we have some interesting new technology from the p-CAT™ suite of technologies. We now offer p-CAT™ Sonic for assessing the condition of such pipelines to a very high degree of accuracy and outcomes. For long-range leak detection in such pipelines, we would suggest the use of a free-floating sensor, which provides a cost-effective assessment.”
The length and diameter of the asset are also key factors to consider, and Mr Evans said that it’s often more efficient and cost-effective to choose one technology that can accurately cover many different scenarios.
“For longer lengths, the selection criteria can be somewhat limited, however, p-CAT™ has completed surveys of 180km on a large diameter pipeline.
“Traditional, and some emerging solutions, are limited in larger diameter assessments due to the density or lack of available fittings. Ensuring a technology that can scale from 100mm to more than 2m in diameter covers many of the current roadblocks when performing a condition assessment,” Mr Evans said.
“For longer lengths, the selection criteria can be somewhat limited, however, p-CAT™ has completed surveys of 180km on a large diameter pipeline.”
It’s important not to overlook the environment surrounding the pipeline too, and Mr Evans said that having access to GIS data or plans can help service providers understand the location, alignment and types of fittings, which in turn refines the technology selection process.
“Providing information on defect locations is highly desirable for asset owners who cannot take the asset out of service, but in some instances the pipeline is under canals, rivers or rail lines and is not accessible.
“In those cases, we’d suggest a long-range screening tool with sub-sectional defect analysis, such as p-CAT™,” he said.
Mr Evans said that understanding other characteristics, such as the hydraulic profile and function of a pipeline, is also immensely helpful in refining the technology and test durations.
“Depending on the situation, gas pipelines could either require an intrusive or non-intrusive solution, so Detection Services offers several innovative technologies to support the gas industry, such as free-floating sensors, or external analysis by MFL or SCT. Detection Services has also worked with a leading industry partner to develop a high-definition camera for live environments,” he said.
While in general many assessment technologies can be used for both gas and water pipelines, the different substances carry different risks.
“For example, in a wastewater pipeline a gas pocket can be highly corrosive,” Mr Evans said.
“If the pipeline is metallic, we can use our magnetic flux leakage (MFL) tool, smart-CAT, to give the pipeline an MRI so we can see the very highest levels of corrosion inside and outside the pipe.”
“We can also use p-CAT™ for pipelines that carry water and for pipelines that carry gas, but they need to be the right pressure. For assets that can’t meet the requirements of p-CAT™, we use a free-floating multi-sensor system.”
We’re in this together
According to Mr Evans, a well‑thought‑out, well-informed condition assessment program can help utilities be more surgical about their refurbishment strategy, reduce failure risks, enhance safety, extend asset life and lower long‑term costs.
“Utilities can identify performance issues, prepare emergency response plans and update risk registers to ensure the right actions are taken to prevent failures and to respond effectively.
“Knowing the most fragile elements of the pipeline allows utilities to prepare an intervention response, by way of the failure consequence and type, and prepare intervention strategies on the sections identified that carry the most risk, saving time and money,” he said.
“By understanding issues such as air pockets, blockages and wall lining loss, utilities can also surgically provide interventions to deal with the locations identified, as opposed to a broadbrush capital replacement approach.”
As pipelines are often expensive assets to replace, Mr Evans said that it’s important that utilities can be confident in the outcomes of their condition assessments.
“This really means you have to partner with a technology provider who has significant experience in all environments and has technologies that can meet every situation. At Detection Services our pipeline tests are completed by experienced staff who have worked in some of the most challenging of environments using the very latest of our portfolio.
“Asset owners need full confidence that the technology is appropriate, has a long portfolio of verification assessments and is operated by experienced teams.”
Published in Utility Magazine 2024.