Non-Contact Motion Assessment, Pipeline & Gas Journal

Skipper NDT has developed a drone-mounted magnetic mapping system to address pipeline geolocation and bending strain assessment in geohazard-prone areas. The lightweight payload integrates fluxgate magnetometers, high-precision GNSS, and an IMU, enabling accurate 3D positioning of buried pipelines without physical contact. This technology provides operators with a rapid, safe, and cost-effective solution for monitoring pipeline integrity.

The system collects high-frequency magnetic data during automated drone flights, which is processed through proprietary algorithms to generate magnetic maps, perform inversion, and calculate horizontal and vertical bending strain profiles. These profiles help identify pipeline curvature changes that may indicate ground movement.

A case study with Enbridge validated the technology’s ability to detect a 2.5° cold bend and other curvature changes, comparing results against IMU-based in-line inspection data. The findings showed strong correlation, particularly for horizontal strain, confirming the tool’s potential as a screening solution for geohazard management.

Key Benefits:

• Rapid deployment in remote or hazardous areas.

• Non-intrusive inspection without interrupting pipeline operations.

• Ideal for use between ILI runs or on “unpiggable” pipelines.