Piping Inspection

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Deployed by 26 companies

Inline inspection of the "unpiggable" in fired-heaters and pipelines

Page last modified

July 2 2024

The challenge of (internally) inspecting so called unpiggable piping/pipelines is familiar to many operators. In order to deal with awkward geometrical features, Cokebusters patented the single module intelligent pig.

The patented untethered, bi-directional, battery powered intelligent pig overcomes geometric challenges. This industry-leading invention, all contained in a single body, has led to further generations of patented technology following a development path of 20 years. The sophisticated 3rd generation inspection tool can rapidly scan internal and external pipe surfaces across a diameter range of 2.5”-12” ID.

Cokebusters' bespoke 4th Generation device can operate down to 1.5” ID and is believed to be the smallest intelligent pig worldwide.

This intelligent pig is suited not only to the complex serpentine coil networks found within heaters and steam generators, but also to process piping systems and pipelines. Ultrasonic in nature, the intelligent pig is propelled by liquid flow, provided by Cokebusters’ pumping units or within the control of the facility product flow.

Using our bespoke Roxtail™ software, results are provided numerically, graphically and by 3D user interface.

Pros & Limitations

Single body (able to navigate plug headers)

Able to inspect furnace designs that incorporate common headers

RF A-scan recorded for every measurement

Superior data coverage compared to traditional (grid) UT

Time efficient and cost effective (compared to standard UT and furnace downtime for alternative methods)

Quick deployment ( no shipping of inspection equipment – all hand carry)

Able to navigate between 1.5” ID and 12” ID

Specification

Specification Title	Specification Description
Applicability	Fired heater configurations containing 1D \| short-radius return bends \| plug headers mule-ears flat-back bends Fired heaters containing multiple tube diameters throughout the process coil Arbour coils, Convection coils containing finned/studded tubing
Areas of Application	Process piping within fired heaters \| HRSG/OTSG boilers \| “unpiggable” pipelines up to 12-inch diameter \| Transfer lines \| Slop/wastewater lines
Capabilities	Detects localised metal loss \| Detects pitting \| Detects creep damage (bulging, ovality, swelling) \| Able to model true corrosion patterns
Certifications / licences	Patented design
Collaboration	Cokebusters inline inspection is available as part of Cokebusters combined decoking and inspection service or stand-alone using a third-party decoking provider.
Compliance	Calibrated to recognised standards.
Inspection	Data analysis is carried out by fully qualified inspection technicians throughout the on-site inspection process.
System Requirements	Requires no Technicians to access the inside of a heater \| Usually requires no scaffolding within the radiant box \| Requires no surface preparation (grinding) prior to measurement