Individually calibrated sensors provide for high precision, with resolution up to 0.004” on local wall changes. Sensors are placed in offset rings to maximize pipeline coverage. The 1/4” combined typical sensor distance provides high resolution defect detection and sizing.
Detailed and precise defect mapping by Porcupine may be used by PipeWay or third party software to effectively apply Level-2 (effective area) or even Level-3 defect assessment criteria and eventually approve defects when Level-1 criteria such as ASME B31G condemns the pipeline to expensive repairs.
Unique Inspection for ID Defects - Patented
Due to the characteristics of internal general corrosion, channeling corrosion, and general wall thinning (erosion), MFL ILI tools have limitations on detection and sizing. PipeWay’s Porcupine ILI solves that problem. Instead of no detection at wall or the detection of only deeper defects in an already corroded area, “true” internal wall mapping is obtained.
Unique concepts behind tool design, analysis and data management software allow the Porcupine as a “stand alone” tool or combined with MFL modules in a single ILI tool, able to do internal and external inspection in a single passage.
Sophisticated mathematics embedded in the wall search technique compensate for issues such as wall thickness variations from nominal value for both minor and major changes. This technique also deals with normal pipeline ovalities, up to 1% OD. In addition, natural varying tool displacements from pipe center axis is also compensated for using the same system.
Magnetic based displacement sensors measure wall position with respect to tool center, indicating both metal loss and deposits such as hard wax or scale. Tools operate the same in liquid or gas pipelines.