Features & Benefits

MagneScan™ tools offer true high resolution performance, delivering the detailed data and high confidence levels essential for a productive integrity management program. They can be used in every conceivable type of pipeline inspection: in dry or liquid product, overland or subsea, in diameters from 6 to 56 inches (15 to 142 cm).

They record the position of the following pipeline features and anomalies:

• Internal and external pitting and general corrosion on the pipe body
• Metal loss in the vicinity of welds
• Metal loss associated with dents and under casings

MagneScan™ tools are designed to locate and size areas of metal loss of 10 percent of wall thickness or greater, and in practice, detect metal loss even smaller.

MagneScan™ Triax

When MagneScan™ was introduced in 1975, its advanced Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) technology set the standard for reliable metal-loss inspection. Now equipped with Triax sensors and a number of other innovations, MagneScan™ is again setting new standards. Triax can read MFL signals on three separate axes (versus one or two with traditional MFL tools), enabling detection of general and axial defects from the same inspection data. This can eliminate the need to launch separate tools for each class of defects - increasing your data utility and decreasing your overall inspection costs. The Triax electronics are housed in one of GE's new light-weight, miniature sensor heads. This versatile adaptation allows Triax to run on board every size of MagneScan™ tool, from 12" in diameter upwards. It also means that the Triax module can be quickly and easily transported for a pipeline inspection anywhere in the world.

Streamline MFL

The Streamline MFL is a product line based on advancing technology, testing and analyzing dig predictions versus results, tool performance and first run success.

As a result of advancing technology, testing and analyzing dig predictions versus results, tool performance and first run success, the Streamline MFL inspection tool provides Customers with high first run success, pre-job planning, on-site preliminary analysis, dig recommendations and final analysis and interpretation in easy to use, Customer view software in less than 30 days. Customer focus and an exceptional Environmental, Health and Safety program are the key to success.

Analysis & Reporting

In addition to the best tool technology, MagneScan™ surveys use highly specialized analytical software to get the most out of the inspection data. A database of candidate features is extracted automatically from this data, and internal and external anomalies are separated. Custom display software is used to examine and analyze the data to separate metal loss and manufacturing flaws. Display options include line trace (B-Scan) and false color (C-Scan) images. Metal objects, dents and girth weld anomalies are also added to the database. Search algorithms are used to select the most significant flaws for detailed assessment, based on a comprehensive library of known flaws and computer-based modeling.

For More Information

• SmartScan™
• UltraScan™WM
• UltraScan™Duo
• TranScan™
• SmartScan™ DS (Deep Sea)

Download More Information

• MagneScan™ Triax fact sheet (US version) (143KB PDF)
• MagneScan™ Triax fact sheet (ROW version) (143KB PDF)

Contact Us

• Find a Pipeline Services Location
• Contact us

The final report is delivered as a printed copy and on a CD. Using proprietary software, the operator can view the report, the tool data and the results of the analysis. The inspection results are prioritized to allow rapid assessment of a pipeline's condition and the need for corrective action.

• View a sample report (473KB PDF)

Operation

MagneScan™ tools use the MFL principle to locate metal loss. As the tool travels through the pipe, powerful permanent magnets magnetize the surrounding metal via wire brushes that contact the internal wall. Flux density is driven to the point of saturation. Any change in the thickness of the metal in the pipe wall-a fitting, weld or patch of corrosion-causes disturbances in the magnetic field. Sensors surrounding the circumference of the tool read these disturbances and record the data on-board.p>

The characteristic patterns of flux leakage can be interpreted to establish the dimensions of each anomaly. Using a ring of secondary sensors, it is possible to discriminate between internal and external metal loss.

Other data is recorded as the tool progresses. Odometer wheels log the distance traveled, and an internal pendulum records the orientation of the tool within the pipeline. A time-based marker system is deployed along the pipeline right-of-way to log the time of passage of the tool.

Tools are available in standard and custom diameter versions, with ScoutScan™ mapping capabilities and with bypass speed control options.