Page 132 - Pipeline Pigging Technology

A computerized inspection system

the data. Some inaccuracies were detected in the as-laid data (anodes
position) and in earlier inspection reports (calibration of CP poten-
tial). These could have led to problems, had they remained undetec-
ted.

(c) Lower cost of the ROV inspection in 1987 - The scope of the ROV
inspection was reduced in 1987. Although this may not be due
entirely to using CIS-PIPELINE, a number of areas where the lines
were buried were easily identified and eliminated from the scope of
work.

(d) Preventive maintenance - In the past, only free spans exceeding the
maximum allowable length were stabilized. In 1987 free spans
nearing the limit were added to the scope if they were in close
proximity to other free spans requiring maintenance. Using the
system was of great help in identifying these areas.

(e) Wider knowledge of the pipeline - Previously, due to the large
amount of data, a limited number of people had a detailed under-
standing of the pipeline condition. Now, however, this knowledge
is far more widespread due to the ease with which users may access
the data and perform analyses.

CONCLUSION

Having been in use for the past 18 months CIS-PIPELINE has matched the
initial expectations and provided a number of additional benefits.
In particular the successful use of the analysis functions, such as those
providing the ability to retrieve the most recent information about each
section of the pipeline, or compare results from different inspections, has
greatly improved the awareness of the pipeline condition. Other major
benefits include:

improved scope of ROV inspection;
more efficient use of the engineer's time;
greater confidence in the ability to retrieve any information when
required;
improved reporting standards.

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