Contactless diagnostics of stress in pipeline metal

Pipeline magnetic tomography

Pipeline magnetic tomography (MTM)

Magnetic tomography helps inspect underground, above-ground, and subsea pipelines without interrupting the transported medium or carrying out continuous excavation. Magnetometric surveying identifies stress-concentration zones, and the results are overlaid on the route and ZULU GIS map to prioritise repairs according to actual condition.

Method MTM
Result GIS map
Pipelines underground
Shutdown not required
Discuss an inspection Download the presentation
Инженер BiometricLabs выполняет магнитную томографию надземного трубопровода с отображением данных на планшете и GIS-карте

How magnetic tomography works

An operator walks the route with magnetometric equipment or examines an accessible section of an above-ground pipeline. The system records changes in the magnetic field associated with stress in the metal, then ties the data to coordinates, the route, and the engineering map.

Field scanning

Magnetometric surveying is performed along the pipe without tapping the pipeline or stopping the process.

Anomaly detection

The software analyses the magnetometric profile and identifies zones of stress concentration, potential defects, and elevated risk.

GIS integration

Results are added to the route and ZULU GIS map so the engineer can see problem sections, chainage, and the priority of inspection or repair.

Магнитная томография подземного трубопровода с визуализацией зон напряженного состояния металла и маршрута обследования
  • The method is applicable to underground, above-ground, and subsea pipelines.
  • Diagnostics are performed without shutting down the pipeline and without continuous excavation.
  • It helps shift from schedule-based repairs to repairs based on the actual condition of the metal.
  • Results can be readily combined with route maps, incident data, repair history, and operating data.

Technical specifications

Diagnostic method magnetic tomography and analysis of the pipeline magnetometric profile
Inspection type contactless diagnostics without interrupting the transported medium
Assets underground, above-ground, and subsea metal pipelines
Deliverables a map of stress zones, a report, and recommendations on repair priorities
Integration overlaying results on the route and an interactive ZULU GIS map
Purpose identifying sections at elevated risk of defects, corrosion, deformation, and stress concentration
Engagement format a one-off inspection, periodic monitoring, or inclusion in a diagnostics programme
Limitations the methodology and interpretation accuracy are determined for the pipe material, burial depth, and route conditions

Use cases and operating scenarios

Magnetic tomography is useful where the risk area must be narrowed quickly along an extended route and where priorities for inspection or repair must be justified.

Underground pipelines

Diagnostics without continuous excavation

Surveying along the route helps identify elevated-risk zones and plan targeted trial pits or additional instrumental checks.

Objective: reduce excavation and shift to condition-based repair
Industrial sites

Monitoring above-ground sections

The method is suitable for supported pipelines, process pipe racks, and sections where in-line inspection is impossible or uneconomical.

Objective: identify stress zones without stopping the process
Operations and GIS

Pipeline-network condition map

Inspection results can be used as a GIS layer linked to the route, repairs, incidents, and maintenance plans.

Objective: prioritise repairs and diagnostics using actual data

Documents and materials

Materials for an initial review, preparing an enquiry, and discussing the scope of supply with BiometricLabs engineers.

PDF / presentation

Download the presentation

Materials on the pipeline magnetic tomography system, inspection scenarios, and GIS integration of results.
Source data

Get the questionnaire

A form for describing the route, pipe material, diameter, burial depth, access to the section, and repair history.
Commercial proposal

Request a proposal

We will prepare the scope of work, inspection format, source-data requirements, schedule, and a calculation by route length.
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Contactless diagnostics of stress in pipeline metal

Pipeline magnetic tomography

Pipeline magnetic tomography (MTM)

Magnetic tomography helps inspect underground, above-ground, and subsea pipelines without interrupting the transported medium or carrying out continuous excavation. Magnetometric surveying identifies stress-concentration zones, and the results are overlaid on the route and ZULU GIS map to prioritise repairs according to actual condition.

Method MTM
Result GIS map
Pipelines underground
Shutdown not required
Discuss an inspection Download the presentation

How magnetic tomography works

An operator walks the route with magnetometric equipment or examines an accessible section of an above-ground pipeline. The system records changes in the magnetic field associated with stress in the metal, then ties the data to coordinates, the route, and the engineering map.

Field scanning

Magnetometric surveying is performed along the pipe without tapping the pipeline or stopping the process.

Anomaly detection

The software analyses the magnetometric profile and identifies zones of stress concentration, potential defects, and elevated risk.

GIS integration

Results are added to the route and ZULU GIS map so the engineer can see problem sections, chainage, and the priority of inspection or repair.

  • The method is applicable to underground, above-ground, and subsea pipelines.
  • Diagnostics are performed without shutting down the pipeline and without continuous excavation.
  • It helps shift from schedule-based repairs to repairs based on the actual condition of the metal.
  • Results can be readily combined with route maps, incident data, repair history, and operating data.