Arc™ Tri-Axial MFL Tools
The Inline Devices ARC™ MFL tool series was designed to deliver high-resolution, tri-axial MFL data acquisition for in-line inspection applications. The tool series derives its name from the MFL sensor deployment strategy engineered to optimize data acquisition in each of the three primary axes of the pipe; Axial, Radial and Circumferential – ARC™.
Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) anomalies generated during the in-line inspection process represent a 3-dimensional phenomenon and can only be fully described by quantifying the magnetic field vectors in a suitable coordinate system. For pipelines, the coordinates are defined relative to the pipe under examination.
The ARC™ MFL inspection instruments employ multiple arrays of ratiometric linear Hall Effect sensors in a dense circumferential configuration (nominally ¼-inch spacing) oriented to acquire magnetic field data along each pipe axis. A supplemental array of flux-leakage based ID/OD discriminator sensors deployed at the same nominal ¼-inch circumferential resolution provides a high-resolution means to differentiate between internal and external features. Because the ID/OD measurement resolution is identical to the MFL sensors, the discriminators can also contribute to the accurate sizing of internal defects. ARC’s™ four primary sensor arrays (3-axis flux leakage plus ID/OD) are all acquired at a 0.10-inch axial sample interval.
The ARC™ tools’ data acquisition system operates at the full specified axial and circumferential acquisition rates at speeds up to 11 miles per hour. The ARC™ acquisition system is also incredibly tolerant of velocity excursions, maintaining full circumferential resolution while reducing the axial data rate by 50% (e.g. 0.20) inches between 11 and 22 mph, and reducing axial rates again in 11 mph increments thereafter (e.g., 0.40 inches between 33 and 44 mph, etc.). This exceptional over-speed capacity can eliminate the need for a re-run in situations involving short duration, high-speed excursions.
The superior acquisition performance is made possible through a proprietary high-speed electronics systems engineered for the rigors of the pipeline environment. The modular electronics design features a 32-bit processing core coupled with a solid-state distributed memory system which ensures incredibly fast and reliable local data acquisition.
The ARC™ ILI instrument package is engineered to operate in small diameter, tight bend radius and low flow applications in both gas and liquid lines. The mechanical packaging attributes include 1.5D back-back bend capability, Sched 80 pipe capacity, ID/OD defect discrimination and sour-service rated components and housings. The ARC™ tool series features the industry’s shortest total ILI instrument length per diameter, which facilitates operation in most existing launchers.
The ARC™ tools operate under low differential pressure, allowing the tool series to excel in previously “unpiggable” pipeline configurations, such as operations requiring temporary launchers/receivers and the use of air, nitrogen or water as a pumping media. The ARC™ tools are readily converted for tethered applications, and provide smooth, low-resistance operation using standard wireline conveyance methods and equipment.
The ARC™ high-resolution MFL tool series may be run as a stand-alone ILI survey or the MFL module may be run in combination with the Radian™ Deformation tool.
Radian™ Deformation Tools
The Inline Devices Radian™ Deformation tool series was designed to deliver high-resolution pipeline deformation data for in-line inspection applications. The Radian™ tool series combines exceptional radial sensitivity (+/- 0.002 inch) with a high axial sample resolution (0.10 inch) to accurately detect and quantify pipeline geometry features such as dents, ovalities, and wall thickness changes.
The Radian™ tools maintain an exceptional collapse ratio (>30%) across the entire instrument series, making them an ideal choice as a “first run” caliper tool to ensure the passage of subsequent ILI survey tools. If pipeline passage has been previously determined, the Radian module can be integrated directly within the existing ARC™ tool configuration to perform an ARC™/Radian™ Combination survey.
Radian™ instruments employ the same integrated electronics as the ARC™ MFL instruments that providing a proprietary high-speed acquisition system engineered for the rigors of the pipeline environment. The modular electronics design features a 32-bit processing core coupled with a solid-state non-volatile distributed memory system, providing fast and reliable data acquisition across any tool configuration.
The Radian™ Deformation tool series is engineered to operate in small diameter, tight bend radius and low flow applications in both gas and liquid lines. The mechanical packaging allows 1.5D back-to-back bend capability and Sched 80 pipe capacity. Sour-service rated components and housings are used for all instruments.
ARC™/Radian™ Combination Tools
Deformation with associated metal loss are frequently the most dangerous defect and demand immediate attention. Inline Devices ARC™ Tri-axial MFL and Radian™ Deformation modules are readily configured within a single ILI tool platform to perform a combination high-resolution magnetic flux leakage and pipe deformation survey allowing identification and quantification of these dangerous features.
The combined service merges the capacity of the ARC™ high-resolution, 3-axis metal loss survey with the Radian™ Deformation tools ability to detect and quantify corrosion, dents and ovalities, as well as other metal loss and deformations in a single run. The combined survey acquires axial, radial, and circumferential MFL data, ID/OD discriminator data, and pipe deformation data, all at high resolution circumferential resolutions, and at the system’s nominal axial resolution of 0.10 inch.
The ARC™/Radian™ Combination survey provides insight into the pipe integrity assessment that surpasses the individual capacity of either service to identify critical features, such as dents with associated metal loss.
The ARC™/Radian™ Combination tool series is engineered to operate in small diameter, tight bend radius and low flow applications in both gas and liquid lines. The mechanical packaging allows 1.5D back-to-back bend capability and Sched 80 pipe capacity. All external components and housings are rated for sour service.