loader image

Metal Loss Inspection

Crude oil and natural gas can carry various high-impurity products which are inherently corrosive. In the case of oil and gas wells and pipelines, such highly corrosive media are carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and free water. Continual extraction of CO2, H2S, and free water through oil and gas components can over time make the internal surfaces of these components to suffer from corrosion effects. The lines and the component fittings of the lines would undergo material degradations with the varying conditions of the well due to changes in fluid compositions, souring of wells over the period, and changes in operating conditions of the pressures and temperatures. This material degradation results in the loss of mechanical properties like strength, ductility, impact strength, and so on.
This leads to loss of materials/metals, reduction in thickness, and at times ultimate failure.

A point will be reached where the component may completely break down and the assembly will need to be replaced while production is stopped. The serious consequences of the corrosion process have become a problem of worldwide significance.

metal loss 1
metal loss 3
metal loss 2
Previous
Next

While it is very important to understand the various forms of corrosion in the pipeline, most commonly are like Pitting, Axial Slotting, Grooving and Pin-holes. Certain defects will grow with the period of time and it is important to regularly monitor their growth and rectify them to prevent accidents, spillage and increase the life-span of the pipelines.

It is hence important for the Operators to perform Metal Loss Inspection from time to time, using available Technologies so that above defects can be located, detected and sized.

Most commonly used technologies for Inspection and their principle could be understood as below.

Transpipe and the affiliate companies have gathered vast experience since last 15 years in running various Metal Loss Inspection tools in different technologies like Magnetic Flux Leakage and Ultrasonic Tool for various services like Hydro-Carbon Pipelines, Pre-commissioning Projects and Batching for many Oil and Gas operators in India, Middle-East, Africa, Asia pacific and South-east Asia.

This has provided good expertise within the company to perform various activities related to Metal Loss Inspection such as:
  • Temporary Launcher and Receiver Installation and De-installations
  • Launching and Receiving In-Line Inspection tools like MFL & UT
  • Magnet Placement and GPS Surveys
  • Intelligent Pig Tracking
  • Data Download
  • On-Site Report Generation
These services are offered in collaboration with reputed In Line Inspection Vendors of the World.