Pipeline support inspection

Pipeline Inspection Services – Integrity Assurance for Oil, Gas, Water and Industrial Pipelines

In Azerbaijan’s energy sector, where pipelines such as Baku‑Tbilisi‑Ceyhan (BTC), South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP), and Trans‑Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) transport millions of barrels of oil and cubic meters of gas daily, pipeline inspection services are essential to prevent leaks, ruptures, and environmental disasters. Our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory provides comprehensive in‑service and pre‑commissioning pipeline inspection – including wall thickness measurement, corrosion detection, weld integrity assessment, geometric deformation surveys, and coating defect identification – to ensure compliance with international standards (API 1160, ASME B31.8, DNV‑GL‑RP‑F116) and local regulations of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan. Regular pipeline inspection services detect anomalies before they escalate into catastrophic failures, protecting assets, public safety, and the Caspian environment.

Why Pipeline Inspection Services Are Critical for Azerbaijan’s Energy Infrastructure

Azerbaijan’s pipeline network spans thousands of kilometers across diverse terrains: mountains, seismic zones, marshes, and the Caspian seabed. Without systematic pipeline inspection services, operators risk internal corrosion (from CO₂ and H₂S), external corrosion (from soil and stray currents), mechanical damage (from third‑party excavation), and fatigue cracking (from pressure cycling). Our inspection methodologies follow API 1160 (Pipeline Integrity Management) and ASME B31.8S, providing operators with actionable data for risk assessment, remaining life calculation, and repair prioritization.

Core Pipeline Inspection Services We Provide

1. In‑Line Inspection (ILI) – Smart Pigging

We deploy intelligent inspection tools (smart pigs) propelled by product flow to scan pipelines from within. Our fleet includes:

• Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) pigs – Detect metal loss due to corrosion, erosion, and manufacturing defects. Suitable for gas and liquid pipelines.
• Ultrasonic testing (UT) pigs – Measure wall thickness and detect laminations, cracks, and weld anomalies. Provide high accuracy in metal loss sizing.
• Geometry pigs – Map internal diameter variations, detect dents, ovality, wrinkles, and valve/pump anomalies.
• Combination pigs – MFL+UT and MFL+geometry for multi‑data collection in a single run.

ILI data is processed using proprietary algorithms to produce defect location (GPS coordinates), size (depth, length, width), and severity classification (e.g., 10% wall loss, 30% wall loss).

2. External Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA) – NACE SP0502

For pipelines that cannot be pigged, we perform ECDA through four steps: pre‑assessment, indirect inspection (CIPS, DCVG, PCM), direct examination (excavation and NDT), and post‑assessment. Using coating condition surveys and cathodic protection potential measurements, we identify areas of active corrosion without excavating the entire line.

3. Internal Corrosion Direct Assessment (ICDA)

For pipelines carrying wet gas, multiphase fluids, or fluids with CO₂/H₂S, we model corrosion risk zones and prioritize inspection points. Flow dynamics, liquid holdup, and temperature profiles are analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

4. Geotechnical and Seismic Risk Assessment

In seismically active regions (e.g., Greater Caucasus), we assess pipeline strain capacity, fault crossing integrity, and slope stability. We recommend mitigation measures such as fiber optic strain monitoring or mechanical expansion loops.

Advanced Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) for Pipelines

When direct access is available (e.g., during shutdown or at accessible sections), we apply conventional NDT methods:

5. Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM)

Using phased array or conventional UT probes, we measure wall thickness at grid points along the pipe. Data is correlated with ILI results to verify anomaly depth and monitor corrosion growth rate over time.

6. Radiographic Testing (RT) – Weld Inspection

For girth welds during construction or repair, we perform X‑ray or gamma‑ray radiography to detect lack of fusion, porosity, cracks, and undercut. Digital radiography provides instant images with high contrast sensitivity.

7. Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) – Surface Cracks at Weld Toes

We apply MPI to ferromagnetic steel pipes to detect surface and near‑surface cracks at weld toes, stress risers, and mechanical damage areas.

8. Dye Penetrant Testing (PT) – Stainless Steel and Non‑Magnetic Alloys

For austenitic stainless steel or duplex pipelines, we use visible dye penetrant to reveal surface‑breaking cracks.

Pipeline Coating and Cathodic Protection Inspection

External corrosion is the leading cause of pipeline failure. We inspect the following:

9. Coating Holiday Detection (Spark Testing)

For fusion‑bonded epoxy (FBE), polyethylene, or three‑layer polypropylene coatings, we use high‑voltage spark testers to identify pinholes and voids. Repaired holidays are retested.

10. Cathodic Protection (CP) System Verification

We measure pipe‑to‑soil potentials, CP rectifier output, and sacrificial anode mass loss. Under‑protected sections require additional anodes or current adjustment; over‑protected sections risk hydrogen embrittlement.

Data Integration and Reporting

Our pipeline inspection services deliver a comprehensive integrity report that includes:

• GPS‑tagged defect locations with detailed maps.
• Defect sizing (depth, length, width) and classification (corrosion, crack, dent, lamination).
• Remaining strength calculation (ASME B31G, DNV‑RP‑F101) and safe operating pressure recommendation.
• Corrosion growth rate analysis (based on historical data).
• Repair priority ranking (immediate, scheduled, monitored).
• Raw ILI data (log files, sensor readings) archived for 10 years for trend analysis.

We do not issue generic compliance statements without client‑specific acceptance criteria. Our reports are accepted by SOCAR, BP, and international pipeline operators.

In summary, professional pipeline inspection services are the backbone of safe and efficient hydrocarbon transport in Azerbaijan. Whether you operate crude oil export lines, gas transmission networks, or industrial process pipelines, our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited NDT and ILI services will help you extend asset life, prevent environmental incidents, and comply with regulatory requirements.

Applications in the Azerbaijani Pipeline Industry

• Crude oil export pipelines (BTC, Western Route Export Pipeline): Corrosion monitoring and ILI for large‑diameter lines.
• Natural gas transmission (SCP, TANAP, domestic distribution networks): MFL pigging for metal loss detection.
• Offshore pipelines (Shah Deniz, Absheron field): Subsea pipeline inspection using remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and UT pigging.
• Industrial plant piping (Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park, Baku Refinery): High‑temperature and corrosive service pipeline inspection.
• Water and district heating pipelines (Baku, Sumgayit): Leak detection and wall thickness surveys.