Gas pipeline operators have long faced a persistent challenge: reliably detecting stress corrosion cracking (SCC)A form of corrosion-induced cracking that occurs when a susceptible material is exposed to a corrosive environment and subjected to tensile stresses. SCC can le… and other axial cracks without the benefit of liquid coupling. Traditional 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… inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… systems have helped, but they often come with high false‑positive rates, conservative assumptions, and costly digs that reveal no actionable threats.
Developed through multi‑year operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… collaboration and validated in both hyperbaric nitrogen and full‑scale natural gas environments, CIGMA‑x represents a breakthrough in 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… detection for gas pipelines with the goal: “detectTo sense or obtain a measurable indication from a feature.
stress corrosion cracking (SCC)A form of corrosion-induced cracking that occurs when a susceptible material is exposed to a corrosive environment and subjected to tensile stresses. SCC can le… and cracks with improved identification and sizing accuracyThe accuracy with which an anomaly dimension or characteristic is reported..”
Guided Waves, Reimagined for Gas
At the heart of CIGMA‑x is advanced ultrasonic Lamb wave technology, a guided‑wave approach capable of propagating within the pipe wall and revealing subtle discontinuities. Unlike bulk-wave UTSystems used in non-destructive testing that utilize sound waves to detect, identify, and measure anomalies within a pipeline integrity test or management progr… tools that require liquid coupling, Lamb waves can be transmitted effectively in gas environments.
The system uses both:
Pulse‑Echo (PEOne of the most commonly used plastics, polyethylene in oil and gas is used primarily for fracking water removal, transportation of process water, or movement o…) to capture reflections from cracks for detection
Pitch & Catch (PCA technique used in ultrasonic testing (UT) to inspect materials for defects or abnormalities. It involves the use of two separate ultrasonic transducers: one t…) to measure transmission loss through discontinuities for depth sizing
This dual‑mode approach provides a more reliable dataset for detection, identification, and depth sizing.
Validated Performance in Real Gas Conditions
The technology wasn’t just tested in the lab, it completed a full‑scale 30" natural gas test loop inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… under realistic pressures, temperatures, and flow conditions. Across 55 inspection passes and circa 2,400 evaluated samples, CIGMA‑x demonstrated:
98% Probability of Detection (POD)The probability of a feature being detected by an inline inspection (ILI) tool.: For all in‑scope linear features ≥ 1.5 mm deep and 40 mm long, validated to API 1163 Level 2, Outcome 3 -the highest achievable validation tier.
100% identification of linear features (POIThe probability that the type of an anomaly or other feature, once detected, will be correctly classified (e.g., as metal loss, dent, etc.). ): The toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig. provides suitable data to achieve a high identification of cracks and SCCA form of corrosion-induced cracking that occurs when a susceptible material is exposed to a corrosive environment and subjected to tensile stresses. SCC can le….
±1.4 mm depth sizing accuracyThe accuracy with which an anomaly dimension or characteristic is reported.: For features up to 6 mm deep.
Less than 45 % of non‑linear features is detected due to Low sensitivity from the technology to detectTo sense or obtain a measurable indication from a feature.
general corrosionThe deterioration or degradation of a pipeline caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Corrosion is a significant concern as it ca… and laminations, pinholes and pittingLocalized corrosion of a pipeline's metal surface, resulting in small, localized pits or cavities.'s – most of these features detected are due to axial slotting features.
30% false positive rate (FPR) for non-linear features (metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. and mid wall features).
Why This Matters for Operators
Fewer unnecessary digs: By linking POIThe probability that the type of an anomaly or other feature, once detected, will be correctly classified (e.g., as metal loss, dent, etc.). and PODThe probability of a feature being detected by an inline inspection (ILI) tool., CIGMA‑x reduces uncertainty and eliminates misclassified features.
Lower operational impact: Speed‑controlled inspections minimize flow disruption.
Better planning and regulatory confidence: Operators can react to threats within prescribed timelines, supported by validated, high‑confidence data.
Future‑ready platform: Upcoming phases will expand detection to long‑seam 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 and pipelines with higher wall thickness or lower pressure.
CIGMA‑x isn’t just a new toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig.; it’s a new operating model for gas pipeline 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 ….
