The new gas magnetic-flux leakage (GMFL) inspection tool has had a field run on a 48 inch natural gas transmission line in Canada, and is designed to fill a niche in the in-line inspection market.
According to TDW, gas pipeline MFL tools do not enjoy the advantages that liquid product MFL tools do. In a liquid line, the product provides lubrication, reducing friction between the inspection tool and pipe wall making it possible to maintain a steady speed as the MFL tool runs through the pipe.
In a gas environment the lack of lubrication creates friction, which causes the magnetic inspection tool to ‘stick’ to the pipe wall. In addition, it is difficult to maintain a steady tool speed because variations in gas pressure cause the tool to stall and surge as it moves within the line.
The GMFL tool is designed to:
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- Reduce tool drag because each magnetiser floats individually so that magnetic forces are consistent whether in a thick or thin wall, or a tight bend, which enables more consistent velocities;
- Travel more smoothly because it is fitted with smooth, flat wear skid plates that glide more easily than the coarse steel brushes traditionally used on other MFL tools; and,
- Accommodate as much as 25 per cent bore reduction, as well as being constructed from light-weight materials, making the TDW GMFL tool approximately half the weight of other 48 inch tools.
The 48 inch GMFL tool is the largest ever developed by TDW; previously, the maximum size offered was 42 inches.
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