Abstract
Pipeline in-line inspection (ILI) is a reliable technique to evaluate and assess the integrity of pipelines. Multiple technologies are currently deployed for ILI. The most widely used include; Magnetic Flux leakage (MFL), Ultrasonic (UT), Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) and Eddy Current (EC). ILI is used to identify different anomalies and defects, to prevent pipeline leaks or ruptures that will result in production loss and/or adverse environmental impact. Extensive planning is required before running an ILI tool in a pipeline. Even with extensive and rigorous planning between pipeline owners/operators and the ILI vendors, some ILI runs fail. This paper will discuss field experience as to why some pipeline ILI runs fail. It will also discuss key factors to consider during pre-planning and preparation, to minimize the potential for ILI failure. Several of these factors include understanding all pipeline physical parameters, compliance with ILI vendor tool operational limits; such as magnetization capability, velocity, differential pressure and temperature requirements, and compliance with sound operational practices for launching and receiving of ILI tools. It is essential to identify the root cause(s) of an ILI failure to avoid reoccurrence.
