The transportation of oil and gas through pipelines is crucial for global energy infrastructure. However, ensuring the integrity of these pipelines is an ongoing challenge. In a recent conversation with Zeki Gokce, Senior Product and Application Expert at Eddyfi Technologies, we discussed how guided waves testing (GWT) is transforming the way companies maintain pipeline integrity, providing solutions to long-standing issues in the industry.
The importance of pipeline integrity in the oil and gas industry
Pipelines are the most efficient and safest method for transporting oil and gas, which is why Zeki points out that the cost of transporting oil by pipeline is significantly lower than using trucks or trains. In fact, at around $5 per barrel, the cost of transporting oil through pipelines is significantly lower than using trucks ($20 per barrel) or trains ($15 per barrel). Ensuring that pipelines remain free from corrosion and other forms of damage is critical to preventing disasters and maintaining the smooth flow of resources.
The growing challenge: Corrosion and pipeline maintenance
One of the most significant challenges faced by the oil and gas industry in maintaining pipeline integrity is corrosion. Over time, environmental factors and the natural wear of pipelines can lead to serious risks if not properly managed and with pipelines often spanning vast and difficult-to-access areas, inspecting and maintaining them is no easy feat. Traditional inspection methods are costly and time-consuming, especially for pipes buried underground or submerged under bodies of water.
Guided waves: The solution to critical infrastructure integrity
Guided wave testing is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that uses low-frequency ultrasonic waves to detect corrosion or other potential issues in pipelines. Zeki explains that, for example, on a 12-inch pipe, it’s possible to inspect up to 50 meters, 25 meters in each direction from one point, in just 3 minutes. This speed and coverage make this testing method one of the most cost-effective methods available today.
The most notable feature of this technology is their ability to inspect areas that would otherwise be impossible or costly to reach. Whether it’s pipes buried beneath highways, under rivers, or in other difficult-to-access locations, guided waves make it possible to conduct inspections remotely, saving companies time and money while minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment.
The role of guided waves in global markets
The implementation of guided waves testing is not just a North American or European phenomenon, it is being widely adopted across Latin America as well. Zeki shared that countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia have long recognized the benefits of this technology. With Eddyfi Technologies providing solutions across the region, this technology is helping Latin American companies enhance their pipeline integrity strategies, offering a powerful tool for maintaining critical infrastructure.
Addressing the oil and gas industry’s pain points
The oil and gas industry faces constant pressure to ensure the integrity of its pipelines while keeping costs manageable. Guided wave technology offers a solution to this ongoing challenge, allowing companies to inspect large sections of pipelines, which can sometimes be located in difficult-to-access locations, quickly, cost-effectively, and noninvasively. As the industry continues to evolve, non-destructive testing will play a vital role in ensuring the future of global energy transportation.
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Source: Inspenet.
