Metal loss in-line inspection validation programs have successfully helped pipeline operators and in-line inspection vendors to achieve reliable inspection results and technology improvements for more accurately assessing the integrity status of pipelines. This paper provides a methodology for pipeline operators to develop validation programs that assure representativeness, reliability and conclusiveness of metal loss in-line inspection results. This methodology has been built into the typical three (3) phases of a pipeline maintenance program: Development, Execution and Qualification or Assessment. Country, Industry Standard or Association Code-specific criticality acceptance criteria are not included in this paper to provide flexibility to pipeline operators in the worldwide application of this methodology.

Subject
Test methods, Pipeline operations, Correlation, Trends, Inline inspection, Pipelines, Tools, Deviation, Metal loss, Corrosion growth, Pipe wall thickness, Maintenance, Samples
Keywords:
validation, excavation, verification digs, in-line inspection, ILI, metal loss, qualification, representativeness, reliability, conclusiveness
© 2004 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
2004
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
You do not currently have access to this content.