View Flash Presentation >> download

In this new era of pipeline corrosion management companies face increased regulatory requirements, severe consequences for environmental contamination, and greater risk of liability. The need for accurate and timely analysis has lead to the development and introduction of Smartpipe's state of the art technology. Smartscan is an innovative system that utilizes laser triangulation to accurately and efficiently map the external surface of in-service pipelines.

Features and Advantages

• Smartscan's precision, efficiency and reliability make it the ideal choice for carrying out integrity analysis of pipelines. Here's why:
• Carbon fibre is utilized in the construction of critical components in the transport mechanism, making it structurally sound yet lightweight, easy to assemble, and dimensionally stable.
• Full circumference scanning is accomplished through our unique design.
• Rapid scanning rates of approximately 37 square inches per minute (2.4 square decimeters per minute) are reached based on our typical settings.
• Unparalleled resolution is achieved with a point density of 3870 points per square inch (standard level of filtering realizes deepest points per mm2 or 645 points / in2).
• Correlation dig analysis garners critical information that directly impacts the scope, and accordingly, the cost of subsequent investigation programs. By maximizing the analysis of the pipeline, precise as-found results will aid the ILI tool vendor in their anomaly grading refinement, which translates into enhanced logs, economic benefits and a permanent digital record for comparison to data from both previous and future ILI tool runs.
• Increased due diligence is obtained by addressing integrity concerns (i.e. mapping and analyzing the pipeline) in high consequence areas such as population centers, environmentally sensitive areas, or watercourses.
• Accurate measurements are garnered whether the metal loss such as corrosion, gouges, etc., are located within a dent or other geometry feature, or on otherwise regular pipe, allowing the effects of diminished integrity on the pipe to be analyzed.
• Large field of view capabilities enable Smartscan to map the surface of the pipe including when it is dented, buckled, wrinkled or out-of-round.
• Timely risk management and repair decisions are realized through exceptional onsite data processing.
• Output data provided for finite element analysis will facilitate cyclic loading simulations to predict the time to failure of the damaged pipe.

Flexible Operating Parameters

The flexibility of Smartscan easily allows it to be effectively implemented under a diverse range of conditions, such as the following:

• Minimal preparation of pipe is needed for valid scanning. It simply involves stripping the coating and removing any material (mastic, etc.) that might give a false impression of the pipe surface.
  Flexible Operating Parameters (continued)
• Broad temperature range makes scanning possible between minus 20 to plus 50 degrees Celsius (-4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Portable shelter easily installs over the work area in adverse conditions to increase productivity, optimizing the integrity management budget.
• Low-profile design of 15 inches (38 cm) does not require excessive clearance.
• Adjustable axial length allows for minimized pipe exposure and coating removal.
• Extensive scope in pipe size and shape is attained, from 6 inch OD NPS (168.3 mm) to as large as 16 inches OD (406.4 mm). **Development of equipment and methodologies for application for larger pipe is currently under way.

Application and Implementation


Smartscan acquires measurement data at an average rate of up to 16 lines per second, at a resolution of195 points per line that is 55 mm ( 2") wide. Assuming a scenario where the deepest region in a 0.5" X 0.5" grid is recorded, our system is approximately 20 times faster (40 seconds to measure vs. 2 seconds to scan) than mapping the same area with traditional equipment. The resolution is over 150 times greater, based on filtered point density, without the inconsistencies and inaccuracies inherent in standard manual endeavors.



 
Specifically developed software applications and the integration of predicted failure pressure calculations (KAPA/RSTRENG) provide a detailed presentation of the data and its analysis results. The scanned anomaly area is presented graphically with the pipe surface represented as a plane, in three different views. An orthogonal view in three dimensions, an aerial view in two dimensions with contour gradations to differentiate elevations, and a profile view in two dimensions each serve to illustrate a different facet of the feature and its effect on the integrity of the pipe. Animations of the scanned feature can also be output as an avi or flash file so that the images can easily be distributed and viewed by other interested parties. The KAPA spreadsheet is also given, so the client can review the details of the various predicted failure paths (PFP). This, presented along with the raw data, gives timely, reliable information for the basis of confident pipeline integrity management decisions.

Economics

The economic viability of our state of the art technology for anomaly measurement and assessment is applicable to small and large diameter pipelines. Smartpipe has always identified competitive pricing as an integral part of our on-going commitment to providing valuable service. By implementing Smartscan, it will empower the customer to competently assess possible repair requirements. Smartscan's costs are scaled to accommodate a broad range of pipe sizes, ensuring unsurpassed value, while receiving the best information to make an informed decision each time, every time.


To find out more about costs, scheduling or technical information please call our head office in Canada (403-249-9221) or the USA (832-436-6610) and talk to one of our engineers or marketing personnel. Alternatively, you can reach us via email at: info@smartpipe.net.
Smartpipe Technologies - providing a full range of pipeline integrity services including ILI data refinement, regular and advanced UT, MT, Direct Assessment and Teletest.