Compact 36" Ultrasonic ILI Tool for Enhanced Pipeline Integrity Management

This paper explores the development, testing, qualificationThe process of validating, through tests and analysis, the performance specifications of an inline inspection (ILI) system., and application of a 36" combination 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… and metal lossRefers to the reduction in material thickness or cross-sectional area of a pipe due to corrosion, erosion, or other forms of degradation. detection tool, developed in collaboration with Colonial Pipeline. The new design not only meets the compact length requirement but also offers enhanced field reconfigurability, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of pipeline diameters (30" to 40") and easily deploy multiple crack detection technologies. Engineers from both organizations collaborated from the initial problem statement and preliminary designs through to the assembly, testing, and qualification of the ILI tool. This paper addresses the unique challenges during the project. This case study illustrates how ILI service providers and pipeline operators can work together to continuously adapt emerging ILI technology to the benefit of pipeline safety.