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| New Smartscan pipeline tool helps take the 'un' out of 'unpiggable'  GE Energy’s pipeline services operation has successfully launched its first SmartScanTM tool, a flexible inspection system designed to help the oil and gas industry overcome a longtime obstacle: the in-line corrosion inspection of "unpiggable" pipelines. A pipeline is deemed unpiggable if conventional, in-line inspection tools ("smart pigs") are unable to inspect a given line due to valve restrictions, multiple pipeline diameters or too many sharp bends.In-line inspections are a primary method for identifying corrosion defects that could eventually lead to costly pipeline releases. However, operators previously have been unable to perform these inspections on a third of the world's installed pipelines (or 700, 000 kilometers) because the pipelines were not originally designed to accommodate the passage of in-line tools. As a result, operators have been limited to using either less-quantitative techniques (approaches that cannot describe corrosion-size details) such as direct assessment or hydrotesting methods, or substantially more expensive pipeline modifications. Enter GE's first generation of SmartScan technology, a new family of advanced, in-line-inspection tools available to both liquid and gas pipeline operators. The first model's flexible structure allows it to navigate pipeline diameter variations of between 16-20, 20-26 and 24-30 inches, respectively. Future generations of SmartScan tools will be able to navigate additional larger and smaller diameter ranges. Operators also have the option to launch and receive SmartScan without the need for conventional traps via the use of a "hot tap, " an access hole that is drilled into pipeline walls without requiring an interruption of service. SmartScan was a cooperative effort developed by GE's various global pipeline services teams: its mechanical design was developed in Toronto; electronics in Karlsruhe, Germany; magnetics and proofing in Newcastle, England; ancillary systems and testing in Houston, Texas; and project management provided from Karlsruhe and Houston. SmartScan is the latest in GE's growing portfolio of products and services that offer innovative, cost-effective solutions available for achieving improved pipeline integrity. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Construction News :: home page |