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SGS PfiNDE has been intimately involved with inspections, which characterize the anomalies found by “smart pigs”. Over the last 12 years, we have characterized tens of thousands of anomalies in thousands of excavations.

We sincerely believe that we have more experience performing this service than any other independent organization.

All technicians are trained and experienced in “pipeline integrity”. Our analysis of pipes is thorough and reliable.

SGS PfiNDE uses a systematic approach to pipeline integrity examinations. Our inspections are performed to written procedures and are thoroughly documented. Reports are generated by the technicians from the collected data, and are then given a 100% quality check  by our review team prior to being posted to clients. Our reports are generated quickly in the field facilitated by “mobile offices” fitted in the inspector’s vehicle. Our unique reports are specially designed to present the inspection results in an easy to understand format. Reports are easily accessed by clients over the internet using password protected accounts.

The company got its start because we have the best method to evaluate longitudinal seam welds. We use our proprietary UT technique, FAST™ UT, on those anomalies. FAST™ UT has enormous advantages over traditional UT and even the newer techniques such as Phased Array for inside diameter connected flaws. Positive experience on long seams with several pipeline operators led us to other types of anomaly excavations.

For each type of anomaly, we will recommend the best approach for inspection. The best approach is not always the one with the fancy equipment, but when needed our Advanced Technology group has expertise, personnel and equipment for all of the latest techniques. Among the latest techniques in the Advanced Technology group are:

 

  • Phased Array UT
  • TOFD
  • Semi automated FASTâ„¢ UT
  • Automated UT for long seam examinations
  • Multi-channel UT with FASTâ„¢ and TOFD
  • Laser Scanner for 3D modeling

Serious pipeline defects may be from deep cracks in longitudinal welds, corrosion, SCC and third party damage. Non-injurious anomalies may be found more frequently than the serious defects. FAST™ UT is far more reliable than shear wave UT for sorting out the serious indications from the minor anomalies. Once characterized, FAST™ UT can also reliably size the flaws whether ID or OD connected.

FAST™ UT has been used to reliably size for through wall extent:

  • ID connected cracks and crack like defects
  • OD connected cracks and crack like defects in long seams
  • SCC cracks and colonies in the pipe body and on or adjacent weldsPreferential corrosion in long seams

OD corrosion is documented per customer requirements using the most accurate pit gages available along with UT “pencil probes” as applicable. Technicians are intimately familiar with R-streng and KAPA programs and provide the analysis in the field and can rapidly report their findings.

ID corrosion is normally mapped using our automated C-scan UT systems. We have 2 Wesdyne C-Mapps systems

SGS PfiNDE has evaluated, documented, and/or repaired thousands of SCC colonies. With FAST UT colony depths are quickly and reliably estimated. KAPA is run to determine if the area would have sufficient thickness remaining to pass KAPA if the colony was removed. If so then SGS PfiNDE or the contractor can grind out the colony using the operator’s protocol. If the colony can not be removed, other repair techniques are utilized. FAST™ UT sizing and KAPA ensures that grinding will succeed before it is tried

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