Pipeline integrity assessments involve utilizing specifically trained ASNT Level II TC-1A technicians, who use various technologies to identify a variety of pipeline anomalies. For instance, when data from an ILI tool run indicates a change, or anomaly in the pipe, requiring a closer look, the operator typically undertakes a maintenance (verification) dig to excavate the pipeline and physically examine the integrity of the pipe segment to determine if a repair or other action is required. Certain anomalies have been known to require further examination; examples include damage from third party excavation, corrosion, stress corrosion cracks, hook cracks, lack of weld fusion, gouges and/or dents. Certified Non-Destruction Examination (NDE) technicians provide the in-ditch services to identify, analyze, scan and report known and unknown anomalies which could compromise the integrity of the pipeline.

NDE technicians carry with them a “standard toolbox” of equipment which holds basic tools to identify, size & categorize anomalies through means of physical non-destructive testing, essentially mapping the size, shape and severity of the anomalies. Similarly, NDE technicians may utilize ADVANCED NDE Equipment to more accurately and specifically identify/categorize and size critical anomalies.

External Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA) is a structured process that assesses and reduces the impact of external corrosion on pipeline integrity and improves safety. ECDAs proactively prevent corrosion defects from growing to a size that would ultimately impact a pipeline’s structural integrity. ECDA is a continuous improvement process. Through regular assessments, pipeline operators can identify and address locations where corrosion has occurred, is occurring, or may occur.

Ultrasonic testing (UT) on pipelines is a non-destructive examination (NDE) method using high-frequency sound waves to assess the internal structure and detect flaws or defects in pipelines without causing damage, while confirming sufficient remaining wall thickness. UT allows for rapid screening for corrosion and erosion in pipelines and ensures its' integrity is intact.

Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) detects wall thickness anomalies (wall loss) by utilizing an enhanced UT technology which is autonomous.

Creaform is laser scanning technology providing highly accurate (up to 50 micron) external anomaly mapping on pipelines. The technology is an extremely efficient alternative to manual pit gauging with up to 80 times faster data acquisition.

PAUT instruments produce accurate, detailed cross-sectional pictures of internal structures at fast inspection speeds. PAUT technology uses multiple ultrasonic elements and electronic time delays to create beams that can be focused electronically for fast inspection, full data storage, and multiple angle inspections. PAUT technology provides precise measurement with the most reliable results. PAUT applications include manual and encoded weld scanning. Encoded scans offer extremely accurate sizing of weld flaws along with cross sectional planar views of the entire encoded scan area.

The semiautomated AxSEAM™ scanner eases long seam weld inspection in pipes. It's configured with four (4) individual phased array (PA) probes, enabling PA, TOFD, and TFM inspection.

The HydroFORM™ scanner is an easy-to-deploy 2-axis encoding phased array (PA) solution, the semiautomated scanner enables fast and reliable wall-thickness mapping and midwall damage detection by acquiring high resolution data of large surfaces in minimal time.

The FlexoFORM scanner makes challenging pipe elbow corrosion inspection easier. The scanner's flexible phased array (PA) technology makes it possible to use a single probe to cover the entire range of pipe elbow diameters.

Shear wave ultrasonic testing (SWUT) on pipe, also known as angle-beam testing, uses sound waves at an angle to detect and evaluate defects in welds and other areas, providing a highly sensitive method for flaw detection. 

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), or Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT), is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method used to detect surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials, like iron, nickel, and cobalt, by applying a magnetic field and magnetic particles, which are attracted to areas of magnetic flux leakage caused by defect.

Soil resistivity testing near pipelines helps assess the potential for corrosion by measuring the soil's resistance to electrical current, which is crucial for designing effective cathodic protection systems.

Even a small amount of oxidation corrosion can be sufficient to allow several different types of bacteria to come together to create a colony and start the Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) cycle. The process utilized tests for two common types of bacteria using the Pipeline pit, Film, & MIC bacteria kit.

APBs - Acid Producing Bacteria
SRBs - Sulfate Reducing Bacteria

Field portable handheld Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) units offer chemical analysis, material composition, and Carbon Equivalency (CE) of pipelines. The LIBS hand-held analyzer provides real time CE values allowing operators to make quick pipeline repair decisions.