Magnetic Mapping: The Skipper NDT team, France, explores magnetic technology for remote mapping of pipelines at river crossings

Locations where pipelines cross rivers require special attention to ensure continued safe operation without leakage that can pollute water supplies on which local communities, livestock, and wildlife depend. Skipper NDT has developed a magnetic technology to support the pipeline industry for the inspection and monitoring of assets in complex and critical environments. Pipeline operators have three main objectives in precisely identifying the location of their buried pipelines: 

1. Quantify depth of cover to mitigate external interference. 
2. Identify areas where strain on operating pipelines increases because of ground movements; for example, at river crossings, on unstable slopes, or in areas of frost heave and thaw settlement. 
3. Update the Geographic Information System of the pipeline network. 

Achieving these objectives reduces operational risks and helps to ensure pipeline reliability, energy deliverability, public safety, and environmental protection.