Pipeline Investigation: Everything You Need to Know
A seamlessly functioning pipeline is important for the proper. To ensure this, regular pipeline inspection is important. With regular usage, the pipeline undergoes wear and tear, and its structure can change considerably. Pipeline inspection is a part of pipeline integrity management which ensures that the pipeline is always in good condition.
There are certain rules governing the inspection that the inspection authorities need to adhere to. There is a definite period at which the pipeline investigation needs to be followed. The regulation mentioned that the pipeline operator should ensure that the pipeline is well maintained and in an efficient condition.
Basic pipeline inspection includes external and installed internal inspection. In this blog, we are going to discuss the key aspects associated with pipeline investigation and its importance.
Pipeline finds applications across different industries. These are used for seamless distribution of oil, gas, or liquid, based on the type of industry where it is being used.
Overview of Pipeline Investigation
The pipeline is used in the energy sector then the most common material is metal. However, in certain sectors, PVC pipes are also used. So the basic process of pipeline investigation includes adopting methodologies that or non-destructive and will not disturb the functioning of the pipeline. Here are three points underlined why the pipes should be investigated quite often
It is preventive maintenance that ensures that there is no further damage or loss to the pipeline
It also checks if there is an underlying problem that can aggravate a major issue
It also checks whether the installed pipeline will serve the purpose in the long run or not.
Put it up in simple words; pipeline inspection ensures that the pipeline passes the test of time and is also of the best quality.
The Importance of Knowing Who is Authorized to Inspect Your Pipeline
As you can figure out from the above discussion, pipeline investigation is an integral aspect of ensuring the seamless functioning of the pipes. It ensures that there is no delay in the distribution, and thus there are no hindrances in the functionality. To ensure this, we have a pipeline inspector or engineers who have expertise in this technique. They have undergone training and hold the license to perform the pipeline inspection.
Inspection is a part of the quality assurance program, and hence it becomes significant that you must hire only qualified and professional pipeline engineers. You must look for the following qualities when hiring a pipeline inspector:
Check their experience. With experience comes credibility, knowledge, and skill, and hence these professionals are more qualified to do the pipeline investigation.
Make sure that the inspector that you hire is accredited and qualified to perform this test. You must check their license to get an assurance on the same.
In addition to the technical and academic aspects, it is also important that the pipeline engineer must also understand the compliance standards and regulations about pipelines.
They must be well versed in the different types of pipeline testing. When it comes to inspecting a pipeline, several tests are performed. Each of these tests reveals certain information and has different features. Some of the common methods adopted by pipeline inspectors include ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle testing, radiographic testing, and liquid penetrant.
Conclusion
Only a professional with the right set of skills and knowledge about these technologies and testing methodologies will be able to give you accurate results and analysis. Such professionals use software and tools to interpret accurate results. Pipeline investigation software is very commonly available, but you should only hire a professional who is well-versed in using this software to interpret the result aptly.
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