ASNT certification in ILI ensuring competency in pipeline and duct inspection

Introduction

In the oil and gas industry, pipeline integrity is crucial for safe and efficient operations. Given the potential for serious environmental and financial repercussions from pipeline failures, ensuring proper inspection and maintenance is a priority. In-Line Inspection (ILI) has emerged as one of the most effective methods for assessing pipeline conditions, detecting anomalies and preventing disasters.

However, the accuracy and reliability of ILI data is highly dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the inspection. The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) introduced the In-Line Inspection Personnel Qualification (ILI-PQ) certification to standardize and ensure competence in this field.

This article explores what In-Line Inspection is, the context that led to the need for certification, the importance of certifying ILI personnel under ASNT’s ILI-PQ program, the related standards, and the different levels and requirements of certification.

What is In-Line Inspection (ILI)?

In-Line Inspection (ILI) refers to the process of inspecting the internal condition of pipelines using specially designed devices called “ILI tools” and also known as “smart pigs”. These tools are inserted into the pipeline and run along its length, collecting valuable data to help assess the structural integrity of the pipeline.

ILI technologies typically include tools to detect corrosion, metal loss, cracks, deformation and other potential defects. The most commonly used NDT methods include: magnetic flux leakage (MFL), ultrasonic testing (UT), with the latter being able to incorporate the novel electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMAT).

The main advantage of ILI is that it allows real-time monitoring and detailed inspection of pipelines without interrupting operations. This technology has revolutionized the way pipelines are inspected and maintained, improving safety, reducing costs and minimizing downtime.

Background

Over the years, several high-profile pipeline incidents and failures have highlighted the need for better pipeline integrity management. These incidents often resulted from a combination of factors, including poor inspection practices, inadequate interpretation of data, and unqualified personnel performing the inspections.

For example, on April 7, 2000, the Piney Point pipeline system experienced a pipeline failure at the Chalk Point Generating Station in the state of Maryland, releasing approximately 140,400 gallons of fuel oil into the surrounding wetlands and Swanson Creek and subsequently into the Patuxent River. The cost of the accident was $71 million in environmental response and cleanup efforts.

The interpretation of the ultrasonic tool data by the company that performed the ILI service contained a significant inaccuracy for the feature at odometer station 53526.55. This feature, was incorrectly interpreted as a T1 part, which after the accident was discovered to be a kink that subsequently generated a crack and corresponding leak.

Incidents such as these prompted a regulatory response, which led to stricter standards and guidelines for pipeline inspection. To ensure that personnel performing ILI inspections are competent and trained to interpret the data correctly, ASNT introduced ILI-PQ certification which is referenced in the first edition of API 1163 from 2005. This certification program establishes clear guidelines for the training, evaluation and certification of ILI personnel.

Importance of certifying personnel in ILI according to ASNT ILI-PQ

ASNT’s ILI-PQ certification program is crucial to ensure that personnel involved in ILI inspections possess the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to perform their duties effectively. Certification plays a critical role in improving inspection accuracy and data reliability, reducing the risk of pipeline failures.

Key benefits of ASNT ILI-PQ certification

• Standardized knowledge and skills: Certification ensures that ILI personnel have a standardized understanding of the technologies and methodologies used in pipeline inspection, which reduces variability in inspection results and improves the overall quality of the process.
• Accuracy in data interpretation: Interpreting ILI data requires specialized knowledge and experience. ASNT ILI-PQ certification ensures that data interpreters can accurately assess pipeline integrity and detect potential hazards before they become critical problems.
• Regulatory compliance: Pipeline regulatory bodies now require ILI personnel to be certified under recognized programs such as ASNT ILI-PQ. This certification helps companies comply with regulatory requirements and avoid penalties.
• Public safety and environmental protection: ILI certified personnel contribute to safer pipelines by reducing the risk of leaks, spills and explosions. This, in turn, protects public safety and helps safeguard the environment from the devastating consequences of pipeline failures.

Below is a video on performing a smart pig in-line inspection. Source: TD Williamson.

Related standards and codes

Numerous pipeline assessment standards and codes reference ASNT ILI-PQ certification as the benchmark for qualifying ILI personnel. Some of the key standards and codes include:

• API 1163: The American Petroleum Institute (API) standard on “Qualification of In-Line Inspection Systems” emphasizes the importance of having qualified personnel for ILI operations. API 1163 refers to the ASNT ILI-PQ as a recognized certification program to ensure the competence of ILI professionals.
• ASME B31.8S: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code B31.8S covers pipeline integrity management and emphasizes the need for qualified personnel to perform ILI. It refers to the importance of adhering to recognized certification programs such as ASNT ILI-PQ to ensure quality inspections.
• NACE SP0102: The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) developed this standard for “In-Line Pipeline Inspection”, which emphasizes the need for trained and qualified personnel to perform inspections. ASNT ILI-PQ certification is often cited as a requirement to meet this standard.

ILI qualification levels

According to the skill required, the ASNT ILI-PQ certification program is divided into two categories viz: ILI Tool Operator and ILI Data Analyst, and in turn each subgroup into three levels (I, II and III), each corresponding to a different level of experience and responsibility:

Qualification levels for ILI tool operators

The responsibilities for the ILI tool operator qualification levels are as follows²:

• ILI Level I tool operator: This level corresponds to personnel who perform ILI tool maintenance and repair tasks, and provides training in the use of the Above Ground Marker (AGM).
• ILI Level II tool operator: Personnel at this level perform the Level 1 tasks and additionally perform other activities such as verifying work requirements, preparing ILI tools, including any planned modifications and verifying construction status, supervising ILI tool launches, running and receiving ILI tools, confirming field inspection run data, among other related ILI tool operation activities in the field.
• ILI Level III tool operator: In addition to the activities of the Level II Tool Operator, the Level III establishes techniques and procedures, interprets codes and standards, and trains, supervises and guides ILI Level I and II Tool Operators.

Qualification levels for ILI data analysts

The responsibilities for the qualification levels for ILI data analysts are as follows²:

• ILI Level I data analyst: Personnel with this level of qualification perform basic analysis as described in the written practice.
• ILI level II data analyst: Personnel at this level perform the tasks of level 1 and additionally perform other activities such as confirmation of field inspection data, integration and confirmation of supplemental data, data preparation and processing, feature detection and location, feature categorization and evaluation, feature sizing, applying anomaly interaction rules, standard and non-standard analysis, organizing and reporting analysis results for review and reporting, and training, supervising and mentoring ILI level I data analysts.
• ILI Level III data analyst: In addition to the activities of the Level II Tool Operator, the Level III establishes techniques and procedures, interprets codes and standards, reviews client specification requirements, analyzes advanced data, reviews the final analysis report, and trains, supervises and mentors ILI Level I and II Data Analysts.

Requirements for ILI certification

To obtain the ASNT ILI-PQ certification, candidates must meet specific requirements depending on the level of certification:

• Education: Although there is no formal educational requirement to enter the ILI-PQ program, candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of NDT and ILI technologies.
• Training: Candidates are required to undergo specialized training in ILI technologies and inspection methods. This training generally includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience with ILI tools.
• Experience: Certification at higher levels (Level II and III) requires candidates to have a certain amount of ILI work experience. For example, Level III candidates must have several years of experience performing and supervising ILI inspections.
• Exams: Candidates must pass written and practical exams to demonstrate their knowledge and competence in ILI. These exams cover topics such as ILI technology, inspection procedures and data interpretation.

Conclusions

The ASNT ILI-PQ certification program is a vital step in ensuring the competency of personnel involved in pipeline inspection using In-Line Inspection methods. With the increasing demand for pipeline integrity and stringent regulatory requirements, certifying ILI personnel to ASNT standards helps mitigate risk, improve inspection quality and protect public safety and the environment.

By providing a structured and standardized approach to the certification of ILI professionals, the ASNT ILI-PQ program improves the reliability of pipeline inspections, reduces the likelihood of failures and ensures that the industry can meet the challenges of maintaining critical infrastructure safely and efficiently.

References

1. National Transportation Safety Board. Pipeline Accident Report (NTSB/PAR-02/01): Rupture of Piney Point Oil Pipeline and Release of Fuel Oil Near Chalk Point, Maryland April 7, 2000; Consultado el 21 de Octubre de 2024. https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/PAR0201.pdf
2. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING. ANSI/ASNT ILI-PQ-2017: In-line inpection personnel. Qualifiaction and certification; Consultado el 22 de Octubre de 2024. https://sentin.ai/en/the-ndt-4-0-guide-everything-you-need-to-know/