IP Pipeline Technology has successfully completed an in-line inspection (ILI) campaign on two 24-inch (610 mm) natural gas pipelines for a regional operator in East China. Spanning 50.2 km and 18.6 km, both lines were inspected on a tight timeline that allowed only 15 days between contract award and tool launch. After a pre-cleaning run with a foam pig, a gauging pig and a high-strength magnetic pig, a combined geometry–MFL–IMU intelligent pig completed the inspection in a single run, achieving 100% data completeness.

The 50.2 km line was commissioned in June 2005 and includes two distribution stations; the 18.6 km line entered service in November 2016. As long-serving assets with steady gas-supply obligations, both required a full integrity assessment carried out with minimal disruption to downstream delivery — the key constraint for this campaign.

To meet the tight schedule and avoid disturbing downstream flow, IP used an efficient pigging sequence: a foam pig for clearing, a gauging pig for gauging and deformation verification, a high-strength magnetic pig for deep cleaning, and finally a combined geometry–MFL–IMU intelligent pig that captured metal-loss defects (MFL), geometry (Caliper) and inertial mapping (IMU) in a single run. A pull through test confirmed the pig’s stability and measurement accuracy.

Field operations were carried out smoothly and on schedule. Technicians monitored the pig’s position, speed and status in real time, adjusting pressure and flow to guide it safely through bends and station tees. The tool never stuck, sustained no damage and transmitted data without interruption; night-time retrieval and pull through test were performed in an orderly manner.

After retrieval, the pig passed mechanical and functional checks with no damage, and data completeness reached 100%. Metal loss, geometric deformation and pipeline centerline positioning were all clearly resolved, providing a solid basis for integrity assessment and follow-up maintenance planning.

Figure: Identified dent features

Figure: Identified metal-loss features

Completing this campaign within a 15-day window under constrained gas-supply conditions highlights IP Pipeline Technology’s responsiveness and field capability in demanding operating environments. IP remains committed to advancing in-line inspection for natural gas pipelines and to delivering safe, professional and dependable service to pipeline operators worldwide.