If you're having multiple problems with your pipelines, such as clogs or leaks, inspect them immediately. Cracks and other defects can show up in pipelines over time. In-line inspections can help you find and repair the defects in your pipelines before they disrupt your business operations. Learn more about in-line inspections and how they work for you below.
What Do In-Line Inspections Look For?
Pipes can experience a great deal of internal and external damage over time. Most external damage may be easier for your workers to spot, such as stress cracks and loose connections. However, internal damage may go unnoticed until it causes leaks, clogs, and other problems with your pipelines. In-line inspections can detect internal defects before they get out of hand.
In-line inspections examine the inner surfaces of your pipelines. The metal surfaces inside your pipes can corrode from long-term exposure to liquids, such as water and chemicals. The environmental changes inside your pipes could lead to leaks, cracks, and even breakage.
Corrosion isn't the only problem a pipe inspection detects. Pipes can also lose integrity and collapse from internal damage. If your pipes collapse in the middle of transporting hot liquids or dangerous chemicals, it could be disastrous for your company.
Inspecting your pipelines now can help you prevent disasters before they occur.
How Do In-Line Inspections Work?
Pipeline repair companies use a variety of in-line inspection tools to see inside pipes. One technique used today is pigging. Pigging allows you to view, clean, and measure the inside of a pipe without cutting or shutting down operations. You can continue to meet your company's deadlines without the worry of losing clients.
The devices used in pigging are called pigs. Pigs can be operated by hand or by machine. These types of pigs have the ability to clean out pipes so that you can obtain a better view of them. Once you view the insides of your pipes, you can take the appropriate measures to repair them.
Devices that rely solely on the Internet may also be used to inspect your pipes. Internet-based devices known as smart pigs use electronic sensors to view and inspect internal pipelines. The data provided by smart pigs can help you determine the:
- extent of the damage inside your pipes
- location of damage inside your pipes
- stage of damage inside your pipes
There may be other pigging devices used to inspect your pipes as well. A pipeline repair company can discuss these methods with you during the inspection.
If you wish to know about in-line inspections and pigging, consult a company like Guildner Pipeline Maintenance today.
