Optopig

Optopig is an optical inspection tool, mainly for inspection of natural gas pipelines. The optopig tool gives both images and 3D information of the pipe and the inner pipe surface i.e., you can both measure the depth of a cavity as well as see how it looks. The interpretation of the findings will therefore be easier than interpretation of data from traditional MFL and ultra sound testing devices.

The imaging resolution is typically 1 X 1 mm. The minimum metal loss depth that can be detected is 1 mm over an area of 5 X 5 mm. The system will withstand pressures up to more than 200 bars. The maximum inspection speed while maintaining 1 mm longitudinal resolution is 5 m/s.
 

Optopig Advantages

• Easy interpretation of the data: "What you see is what you have..."
• Synchronised images and profiles (3D data) from all parts of the pipe
• Inspection speed not limited by inspection technology (no currents induced in the pipe that influences the measurements, ref. MFL). Gas production can be maintained at a higher level.
• Contact less technology
  • no sensor lift off (ref. MFL)
  • no damages induced by the "brushes" (ref. MFL)
  • no need for a coupling fluid (ref. ultra sound devices)
• Multidimensional capability built in, can cover 16-42", 10-20"
• No problems with remanent magnetisation
• When valid data exists there is no question about how to interpret the signal from a detected cavity
• The actual radius at the location is measured, and not the relative depth of a cavity in a sediment in the pipe
• No influence from the properties of the material (like different permeability for different alloys)
• Works perfectly well on non magnetic pipes
• Typically lower weight of tool (76 kg) and complete unit with carrier (1.3 tons @ 42", ref MFL 6.7 tons)
• Use of automatic image processing and pipe feature classification systems possible (under development)
• No need for an umbilical, i.e. an autonomous system