Creaform launches software for pipeline integrity

3D measurement solutions provider Creaform has released version 2.1 of Pipecheck, its single software platform for pipeline corrosion and mechanical damage assessment, developed for pipeline operators and NDT service companies.

According to product manager Jér?me-Alexandre Lavoie “With this release, we continue to target the O&G market, but the new functionalities will be particularly interesting for refineries, as they make pipeline inspection possible despite the presence of complex elements such as valves or welds.”

ILI correlation functionality

“The idea to develop an ILI correlation functionality emerged from our will to find a solution to the dilemma that pipeline operators face on an ongoing basis”, explained Lavoie. “They have to do what is required to guarantee public safety, but they also need to weigh in the economic impact of digging areas where no repairs are needed after all,” he said.

Service companies spend a lot of time trying to correlate data between ILI pigs and pit gauges (or any other direct assessment tool) to qualify the tool performance. Consequently, Creaform implemented a visual interface to perform in-line-inspection correlation with the data acquired by its Handyscan 3D. User interface has been completely optimized to compare depths, lengths, width and even burst pressure.

Enhanced virtual pit gauge

To ensure a high level of accuracy, Creaform has developed a measuring tool comparable to a real pit gauge. This tool is often called “virtual pit gauge”. With Pipecheck 2.1, Creaform extends the capabilities of its tool by implementing intelligence to manage depths measurements near welds, valves, floor or any kind of obstacles.

Internal surfaces analysis tool

Numerous clients use coupons to assess internal corrosion on the entire network. A short piece of pipeline is used to extrapolate the internal corrosion on pressure vessels or several kilometers of ducts. Complementary analyses can also carried out on sample sections.