Understanding How an Integrity Dig Prevents Pipeline Disruptions and Possible Leaks
Safety is paramount in the pipeline industry, and preventing leaks is part of maintenance. An integrity dig can help to find potential damage to a pipeline. A section of pipeline is excavated to give pipeline operators an up-close view of the pipeline to determine if a repair or replacement is required. The process begins when a routine inspection detects something out of the ordinary.
How are anomalies found?
Operators use many different technologies, including sensors and in-line inspection tools called smart pigs, all of which can detect anomalies. Smart pigs use a variety of technologies such as sensors, transmitters, GPS, magnetic fields, eddy current, ultrasonic tech, and acoustics to find anomalies.
What happens if a problem is detected?
Every potential problem is taken seriously. Before repair and maintenance begins, the operator will carefully divert the product around the pipeline segment that is being repaired. One of the most common methods of repair is to re-coat the pipeline with epoxy and cover the entire section with a sleeve. This is then clamped to a specified pressure to ensure an effective seal, and the seams of the sleeve are welded.
Submar is committed to ensuring pipelines run safely and smoothly. If a possible flaw is detected by a smart pig, our team will zero in on the exact location, and the pipeline can be safely exposed then repaired.
Once a possible flaw is detected, we can provide the following services:
- Stake-Out of Dig Sites
- Pipeline Excavation
- Pipeline Recoating
- Weld Repair Assistance
- Cutout Assistance
- Non-Weld Repairs
- Bolt-On Clamp Placement
- Composite Sleeve Installation
- Backfill
- Right-of-Way Restoration
- As-Built Drawings
