Ask the Experts
Q: I’ve noticed that there are several different RFTC tools, in what situations are these various tools used?
The selection of RFTC tool used for an inspection will depend on the operating condition and the diameter of the pipeline.
The PipeDiver™ tool is used when the pipeline is in service and is applicable for pipe diameters of 24-inches and above.
The two tethered robotic tools, PipeRanger™ and PipeCrawler™, are used to inspect out of service pipelines that are depressurized. PipeRanger™ is for 24-inch to 36-inch diameter pipelines while PipeCrawler™ is suitable for greater than 36-inch diameters.
The manned PipeRider™ and PipeWalker™ tools are chosen when the pipeline is out of service and has been fully dewatered. PipeRider™ is for 36-inch to 60-inch diameter pipelines while PipeWalker™ is suitable for greater than 60-inch diameters.
There have been several projects where we have used more then one tool type on an inspection due to different conditions and inspection constraints. A combination of PipeWalker™ and PipeCrawler™ has been used multiple times for large diameter pipes that can’t be fully dewatered. The dewatered sections are inspected with PipeWalker™ and the sections with water were inspected with PipeCrawler™.
 PipeWalker™ Fully Dewatered > 60" diameter |
 PipeRider™ Fully Dewatered 36" to 60" diameter |
 PipeCrawler™ Partially Dewatered > 36" diameter |
 PipeRanger™ Depressurized 24" to 36" diameter |
 PipeDiver™ Fully Operational > 24" diameter |
- Cameron White, Solutions Manager
For more information, contact Cameron at Cameron.White@ppic.com
More Questions » Submit Question »
Disclaimer: The answers provided in the PPIC "Ask the Experts" column should be considered general opinions and should not be taken as formal engineering advice. Site visits are recommended to provide answers to specific challenges that a client may be facing. PPIC does not assume any responsibility for action taken by readers based on the opinions provided in this column.