Beyond the Tool: What Makes a Reliable Inspection Partner?

At NDT Global, our approach is shaped by decades of hands-on experience and deep industry knowledge from leaders who understand the high stakes of pipeline inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…. Three of our commercial sales team share their insights into vendor selection.

• Jim Costain, Director of Commercial Sales, has supported operators worldwide in developing integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … programs built on high-resolution data and trusted analysis.

• Ron James, Director of Commercial Sales - MEAA, brings regional expertise and insight into navigating inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… challenges in diverse operating environments.

• Craig Hall, Commercial Account Executive, partners closely with operators to ensure inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… solutions are aligned with real operational needs and regulatory demands.

Their collective experience highlights the importance of selecting a vendor that delivers more than just a tool, it’s about insight, reliability, and long-term integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … success.

Tool Capabilities and Resolution

Accurate pipeline inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… hinges on high-resolution tools capable of detecting subtle and early-stage anomalies. Without precise data, defects can go undetected or misclassified, giving operators a false sense of security. This can delay preventive action and increase the likelihood of failureThe inability of a pipeline system to fulfill its intended function or meet the required performance criteria. Pipeline failures can have significant consequenc….

"Over a three-year period, one operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel…'s inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… program using NDT Global’s Ultrasonic Inline InspectionA method used to assess the the integrity and condition of pipelines. It involves the use of specialized tools that are inserted into the pipeline and propelled… Technology identified more than 800,000 features, including over 40,000 laminations and nearly 1,000 crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel…-like anomalies. These insights enabled targeted repairs and proactive integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … planning that wouldn’t have been possible with lower-resolution tools." Jim Costain, Director of Commercial Sales

A low-resolution inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… approach may not detectTo sense or obtain a measurable indication from a feature. corrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca… types such as channeling, wall loss under deposits, or crackA fracture or discontinuity in the wall of a pipeline, where the material is separated or broken, potentially compromising the integrity and safety of the pipel…-like features, issues that can escalate if not properly identified and addressed. Using the wrong technology for a given pipeline condition has led to catastrophic outcomes.

Experience and Track Record

Experience matters in pipeline inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…. Inspection vendors with extensive field experience bring valuable insights into pipeline behavior across diverse conditions. Without this knowledge, vendors may deploy inappropriate tools or misinterpret data, resulting in poor decision-making.

For example, in one case, a pipeline failureThe inability of a pipeline system to fulfill its intended function or meet the required performance criteria. Pipeline failures can have significant consequenc… occurred after years of using the same inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… approach that failed to identify channeling corrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca…. The inspection provider persisted with MFLA type of non-destructive evaluation used on inline inspection (ILI) technology in which a magnetic field is induced in the pipe wall to detect, classify, and c…-A despite indications that an alternative technology was better suited. When the pipeline eventually failed, the previously reported features were found to be through-wall defects.

In another case, an operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… awarded an inspection contract to a significantly lower-cost provider claiming to meet a stringent specification. When the pipeline later failed, it became evident that critical features had been missed entirely. A subsequent reinspection by NDT Global identified extensive through-wall corrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca… that had not been reported.

“Selecting a vendor solely on price can lead to missed threats and pipeline failures. A quality-first approach not only protects assets but saves costs long-term by reducing rework, downtime, and emergency interventions.” Ron James, Director of Commercial Sales – MEAA

These real-world consequences highlight the riskA measure of loss in terms of both the incident likelihood of occurrence and the magnitude of the consequences. of relying solely on cost when selecting an ILI vendor.

Compliance with Industry Standards

InspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… vendors must adhere to recognized industry standards such as API, ASME, and ISOAn independent, non-governmental international organization that develops and publishes international standards and guidelines to establish safety and process …. Non-compliance can result in unreliable inspection results, regulatory penalties, or even forced shutdowns.

NDT Global aligns its processes with global best practices, ensuring all inspections meet or exceed the expectations of industry regulators. This commitment not only enhances data integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … but protects operators from legal, safety, and operational risks.

Credibility and Reliability

Trust in your inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… vendor goes beyond a single run—it’s about consistent delivery of high-quality data and actionable insights. A credible vendor ensures that tool performance, data analysisThe evaluation process of extracting insights, patterns, and valuable information from the data collected during pipeline operations, inspections, or monitoring…, and reporting standards are upheld at every step.

Too often, we’ve seen cases where vendors underdeliver, promising high-spec performance at a low price point—only to miss critical threats. In markets where cost becomes the deciding factor, operators may unintentionally invite higher long-term riskA measure of loss in terms of both the incident likelihood of occurrence and the magnitude of the consequences. and cost.

“The cost of a single unplanned repair often exceeds the investment in high-resolution inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…. Choosing the right tool and vendor from the beginning is not just a technical decision—it’s a financial one.” Craig Hall, Commercial Account Executive

Avoiding the Risks of a Poor Vendor Choice

When selecting an ILI partner, consider these key risks of working with an unproven or ill-equipped provider:

• Missed or misclassified defects – risking undetected through-wall corrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca…, cracks, or complex threats.

• Regulatory non-compliance – exposing operators to fines or operational shutdowns.

• Higher total cost of ownership – from emergency repairs, re-inspections, and loss of product.

Choosing a trusted partner with a strong technical foundation, proven performance, and a commitment to safety reduces these risks significantly. With 25 years of experience and a track record of accurate, reliable inspections, NDT Global continues to support operators in making informed, data-driven integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … decisions.