Pipeline Inspection Services

Non-Piggable?
PIGGING THE NON-PIGGABLE
A.Hak Industrial Services’ versatile
Piglet® system is aimed at inspecting
the non-piggable pipelines.
Usually unpiggable features – often
found in relative short transfer
pipelines – like dual diameter, mitred
bends, full bore unbarred tee-pieces
and single entry set-ups are within
the capabilities of this system and
can be inspected using regular, high
and ultra-high resolutions. Combined
with highly experienced field crews,
a powerful integrated solution is
available to warrant the integrity of
previously non-piggable pipelines.

Real-time

Multiple services, singular solutions

for the Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Industry
Intelligent pig inspection systems are important tools
to manage the integrity of pipelines. An intelligent pig
survey enables the operator responsible for the integrity
of the pipeline, to assess the failure risk due to metal loss
corrosion using the findings of the inspection survey.
However, depending on their origin, not all pipelines can be
inspected using intelligent pig technology.
NON-PIGGABLE PIPELINES
At the time many pipelines were laid, pigging and inspection
services were not considered. Pipes were laid to transport the
product and how the pipeline was constructed was of minor
importance. This means that the majority of these pipelines
were built without launching/receiving facilities, were of varying
diameters and contained mitred bends etc, making normal
pigging techniques impossible. Modern day pipelines are
constructed using special design codes (DEP’s), which include
such launching/receiving facilities and allow ultrasonic or other
in-line inspection techniques to be utilized.
These codes have not commonly been applied for the relative
short ‘connection’ lines like transport pipeline to storage tanks,
which means that these lines, being of standard design, are
not piggable. Incidentally, most of the problems occur in these
relative short pipelines, due to lack of protection. In addition,
the ownership of these pipelines is often not clearly defined and
a lack of responsibility can be observed. This implies that the
integrity program for these pipelines is of less importance than
the larger/longer production pipelines.
INSPECTION
Policies have changed over the years. As uptime becomes
increasingly precious, replacement increasingly expensive
and external and internal integrity demands more stringent,
inspection of these lines has become more important.
A.Hak Industrial Services has been active in the field of
non-piggable pipeline inspection since the mid 90s and has
developed specialized tools, methods and equipment to allow
inspection of even the most challenging lines.
The most common components of non-piggable pipelines are:
- Pipeline dimensions (length, diameter, wall thickness,
dual diameter)
- Pipe material (SS, ductile, exotic materials, GRE, coatings,
linings)
- Bend restrictions (forged bends ≤1.5 D, one cut mitre bends,
mitred bends, back-to-back bends)
- Offtakes (unbarred tees, reduced tees, sphere, laterals)
- Offset junctions (diverters, convergence angle, bores)
- Valves (In-line block valves, check valves)
- No entrance point or single entry (availability of launchers and
receivers)
Examples of such pipelines are:
- Loading lines
- Off-plot pipelines
- On-plot piping/pipelines
- Tankfarm connection lines
- Transfer piping in petrochemical plants
INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS
A.Hak Industrial Services offers a unique range of integrated
services to provide each challenge a suitable solution. Since
each pipeline is unique, standard technologies and services
are not always adequate. The majority of pipelines have been
designed without contemplation of intelligent pigging, or even
any pigging at all.
Over the years, A.Hak Industrial Services has specialized in
non-piggable pipelines and has formed a unique concept, based
on extensive experience in the field. Our highly skilled and
knowledgeable team aims to find one solution for any challenge
a client presents to us.
Decades of experience combined with cutting edge technology
allows us to find creative solutions for specific challenges, while
simultaneously providing customized technical solutions and
adaptive field application. High-end engineering enables us to
develop custom tools and equipment, while a certified, well
trained and seasoned group of field engineers can apply these
solutions anywhere in the world.
ADAPTIVE APPROACH
A wide variety of pigging materials is available on stock,
including temporary pig traps ranging from 4” to 44”, as well as
a wide variety of pumping equipment to allow pigging of small
to large diameter pipelines. Customized equipment for project-
specific solutions can be designed, engineered and fabricated
in-house and is aimed at a safe, efficient and adaptive fulfilment
of our client’s requirements.
In-house training solutions and pigging facilities allow
applications to be tested and staff to be trained, thus providing a
complete package to the field. Since documentation of
non-piggable pipelines is rarely documented, our field engineers
are trained to provide on-site solutions to the pipeline’s specific
challenges.
AIMING FOR RESULTS
Field crews provide a critical link to allow high-tech equipment
to be effective in challenging conditions. The highly motivated
and skilled field crews of A.Hak Industrial Services are regarded
among the best in the world in pigging project management and
adaptive pigging solutions. Each challenge adds to our extensive
experience with non-piggable pipelines.
Solutions include chemical and mechanical cleaning to allow
the best possible inspection results as well as an integrated
approach throughout the pipeline’s lifecycle, from pipeline
commissioning to de-commissioning and abandonment.
A.Hak Industrial Services provides custom engineering, pigging
solutions, high-tech research and software solutions to match
our client’s needs. This has lead to the ongoing development of
pigging and inspection equipment and services which are aimed
at providing insight into the integrity of non-piggable pipelines,
ranging from 4” to 64” and located from subsea offshore to
remote areas around the world. This includes dual diameter
solutions, single entry configurations, as well as ultra-high-
resolution equipment that can be applied anywhere in the world
at any time.
As a result, our services, including custom pig design, fabrication
and engineering, project management, on-site pumping
and pigging, subcontracting, ultrasonic inspection, defect
assessment, FFP reporting and pipeline integrity management
solutions, can all be provided as one integrated package.
Project management
Engineering
Pigging operations
In-line inspection
One solution - worldwide Intergrity assesment
 PushPull ®
Can be used without launcher.

EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS
To provide a suitable solution for the inspection of non-piggable
pipelines, A.Hak Industrial Services has developed the Piglet®
– a highly versatile inspection tool on a mobile platform for use
anywhere in the world on short notice.

For maximum flexibility, the system applies a contact-free

ultrasonic measuring head that is able to scan the full surface of
the pipe wall, whereby high-resolution options can be realized
seamlessly.

The ultrasonic system is based on direct ultrasonic measurement

with time of flight (TOF) measurement so that absolute wall
thickness data can be gathered. This allows a full overview of Pig tracking &
any wall-thickness reductions that may impact the pipeline’s benchmarking
integrity.
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Simultaneously, the centralized set-up of the UT-head allows
measurement of the pipeline’s geometry, detecting any
deformation (like ovalities, dents and buckles) easily. This is
critical when third-party damage may be applicable. Results
A-Scans
e B-Scans
To allow the best possible interpretation, the system stores the re d te
Un bar Pipe Elevation
raw A-scan data of each measurement. This enables a detailed Pipe Geometry
Temporary pig traps
analysis of defects, allowing re-evaluation and preventing errors 4"-44"
due to algorithm induced analysis. Inspection
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The system can be utilized free-swimming as well as tethered,

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for real-time observation of the inspection and short-term Real-time data

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feedback on the results. This means immediate decision-making r

uce
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on-site is possible.

For the inspection of short pipe sections without the need for
temporary pigging and pumping equipment, A.Hak Industrial
Services has developed a hand-fed, push-pull system which can
be applied with minimum downtime and yield results instantly. Optic fibre
Data analyses/Final reporting

Client
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REAL-TIME INSPECTION DATA
A.Hak Industrial Services’ versatile inspection platform Piglet®
allows a tethered application using a fiber optic umbilical. This
allows inspections of up to 29 km or 18 miles* to be observed
and assessed in real-time.
Since the Piglet® uses a hair-thin umbilical, the usual restrictions
do not apply – the system can negotiate the most complex
pipelines while maintaining a real-time connection. The number
of bends and fixtures through which the system can pass is
limitless.
The real-time observation of the inspection means that an
immediate assessment of the inspection can be made as well
as providing instant access to the inspection data. In this way,
a review can be made on-site and any significant defects that
could impact on the line’s production capability and safety can
be reported.
The system allows configurations to cope with inherent non-
piggable features like pipeline bore restrictions (dual diameter),
full bore unbarred tee-pieces, mitred bends and so on. It can be
configured in bi-directional mode to allow single-entry usage, all
while maintaining the capability to fully inspect the pipeline’s wall
and geometry.
* maximum length depending on diameter
FREE-SWIMMING APPLICATION
The system allows application in batches or other situations
where an umbilical is impractical or impossible to use. It is fitted
with onboard memory for the storage of all raw measurements,
therefore providing the flexibility to evaluate the measurement
manually if needed.
Since the umbilical length is not a restriction in such situations,
longer lines can be inspected while maintaining the full
capabilities to review the A-scans of all measurements.
In case of hard-to-reach or undocumented pipelines, a
combination with above-ground markers (AGMs) makes it easy
to find defect locations. This prevents the need for large dig-ups
to allow for repairs or replacement.
ON-SITE AND FINAL REPORTING
A.Hak Industrial Services can offer fast, on-site reporting of
your pipeline’s condition as well as the final report, which will be
carried out afterwards.
The data recorded during the inspection is verified in multiple
independent stages for completeness and quality. The data
contains the raw ultrasonic signal for highly accurate data
analysis and it is only after data post processing that the data
can be presented in a comprehensive way to the client. This
processing takes place in several phases:
1. Automated data analysis and wall thickness measurements
using advanced software algorithms.
2. Detailed analysis of features and anomalies.
3. Corrosion growth analysis (in case of a repeated inspection)
4. Report compilation (digital and hardcopy)
Detailed analysis utilizes various tools to optimize the reliability
of the information extracted from the data, such as A-, B- and
C-scans as well as radial cross-section views.
The data analysis software has been built in-house and is
improved on continuously. All analysis and reporting functionality
complies with the Pipeline Operator Forum’s specifications and
requirements.
Defect width (A)
A client version of the data analysis software is supplied to the
customer together with the report and with this software, the
inspection results can be reviewed.
After data post processing of a project is complete, all data
is backed-up on tape for future analysis, including corrosion
growth analysis in case of re-inspections.
FIT-FOR-PURPOSE AND DEFECT ASSESSMENT
During data analysis and final reporting we carry out a defect
assessment as standard, and can also offer fit-for-purpose
reporting if required.
The most commonly used defect assessment method is ASME
B31.G, the purpose of which is to calculate the safe operating
pressure (Psafe) of each corrosion anomaly. Using these safe
operating pressures and the maximum allowable operating
pressure (MAOP), an estimated repair factor (ERF) of each
corrosion anomaly is reported to the client, which indicates the
necessity for intervention.
A corrosion anomaly is acceptable if the ERF is equal or less
than one, and requires repair or de-rating (lowering of the MAOP)
if the ERF is greater than one.
The anomalies are plotted along with a defect assessment curve,
where the curve represents an ERF of one. All anomalies below
the curve are acceptable and anomalies above the curve require
repair or pressure de-rating. The defect assessment curve is
dependent on the calculation method of Psafe (ASME B31.G,
Modified B31.G, RSTRENG, SHELL92, or DNV), in addition to
other parameters such as the MAOP, the pipe diameter, the pipe
wall thickness and the pipe material specifications.
Circumferential grooving
8
Circumferential slotting
7
6 General
4
3
2 Pitting Axial grooving
1
Axial slotting
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Pinhole Defect length (A)
EXTENDED LIFESPAN
Although installations and systems might have been designed
for a certain lifespan, it is worthwhile to study the feasibility of
extending the operational life of systems. Increased regulations
require such systems to be fully accounted for regarding their
integrity.

As a tankfarm reached it’s designed end-of-life age, A.Hak

Industrial Services was challenged to provide insight into the
integrity of the underground connecting pipelines which were
24", 28" and 30" in diameter – without shutting down the
tankfarm’s operations.

Since the connecting pipeworks were never designed to allow

pigging, a non-piggable approach was selected to allow the
pipelines to be inspected and, consequently, re-certified.

Together with the client, an integral plan was developed,

combining hydrostatic testing, mechanical cleaning, in-line
ultrasonic inspection and defect validation, to be performed
periodically so that corrosion growth could be monitored.

The result was a package that assured governing bodies of

the integrity of the system and allowed the tankfarm to remain
operational for the years to come, all with minimum impact on
it’s ongoing operations.

A.Hak Industrial Services B.V.

Steenoven 2-6 T +31 (0)345 57 92 11
4196 HG Tricht F +31 (0)345 57 93 79
P.O. Box 151 sales@a-hak-is.com
4190 CD Geldermalsen www.a-hak-is.com
The Netherlands © A.Hak Industrial Services. All rights reserved. SB-NPP-E"-1.1-01.11.13