Live Pipeline Condition Assessment
Introduction:
Versatile and reliable, the PipeDiver™ system has been specifically designed for use in Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) lines that are live or can’t be taken out of service due to a lack of redundancy or operational constraints.
PipeDiver™ provides accurate condition assessment of critical infrastructure, specifically detecting prestressing wire breaks that could lead to pipe ruptures. Compared to alternative methods of condition assessment, the PipeDiver™ solution offers a significant cost savings as the pipeline remains in service, eliminating the need for de-watering and service shutdown.
How it Works:
PipeDiver™ is an innovative free-swimming tool that consists of a battery module, Remote Field Transformer Coupling (RFTC) module and a tracking module. The system is neutrally buoyant and has flexible fins that are used to center the tool within the pipe and provide propulsion. Its flexible design ensures that PipeDiver™ can easily navigate butterfly valves and bends in the pipeline, while travelling long distances. Data is recorded and interpreted by an experienced analyst to pinpoint and quantify locations of distress.
The system uses Remote Field Transformer Coupling (RFTC) technology which became the recognized standard for PCCP condition assessment in the 1990’s. RFTC technology functions much in the same way as a radio transmitter and receiver. The “transmitter” produces an electromagnetic field. The prestressing wires in the pipe amplify the signal that is recorded by the "receiver". If there are broken wires, the signal is distorted. A measurement of the distortion quantifies the number of broken wires.
PipeDiver™ can be inserted to the live pipeline via a simple hot tap connection and insertion sleeve, an existing access or a submerged tank. Once inside the line, PipeDiver™ will travel with the flow of the water until it reaches a predetermined extraction point. PipeDiver™ movement and distance travelled is tracked from above ground via check points. The system has been engineered to overcome the challenge of insertion and retrieval from a live pressured main.
A flexible design allows PipeDiver™ to navigate through butterfly valves and bends in the pipeline.
PipeDiver™ Advantage:
- Pipelines can be kept in service during inspection which greatly reduces overall inspection costs.
- Accurate results that pinpoint areas of wire distress to help optimize repair and replace investments.
- Minimizes the risk of pipeline ruptures that can result in public safety issues, significant property damage and extensive service interruption.
- Flexible and modular design allows it to navigate through butterfly valves and bends in the pipeline.
- Only two access points are required, one for insertion and one for extraction. Hot taps can be left in place for future inspections.
- Allows for pipe inspection at any point in time, no need to wait for scheduled pipeline shutdowns.
- No interruption to local water services.
PipeDiver™ Applications:
- Prestressed concrete cylinder (PCCP) pipelines.
- Pipe diameters from 24" to 48" (larger diameters available upon request).
- Systems available for water or pressurized wastewater line inspection.
Complementing Services:
- Sahara® video inspection to confirm that there are no obstructions in the pipeline.
- Acoustic Emission Testing (AET) to monitor distressed pipeline assets over a short or long-term.
- PPIC pipeline GIS software to store and quickly display condition assessment results to help optimize asset management.
- Remote Transient Pressure Monitoring (RTPM) to record the variation of pressures within a pipeline caused by sudden changes in velocity of the liquid, known as a "surge" or "water hammer".