Across various industries, pipeline failures have been a significant challenge. Leaks, gas pockets, corrosion, deposits, and other issues can easily go undetected if your pipelines are not carefully inspected with the right tools. At PICA Corp., our experienced technicians utilize the latest pipeline inspection tools to ensure your pipelines are in safe working order. Below we’ll discuss the latest tools PICA Corp. uses to inspect your pipelines and why RFT technology is superior for these inspections. Continue reading to find out more.

SeeSnake RAFT and SeeSnake EMIT Pipeline Inspection Tools

Across the globe, operations like yours require reliable and accessible pipeline inspection services to ensure their water mains are in prime condition. At PICA Corp., we use the latest pipeline inspection tools to ensure that your operations can continue working smoothly and safely. We use a range of electromagnetic Remote Field Technology or RFT to inspect your pipes. PICA Corp uses two tools for CCP and PCCP inspections; the SeeSnake RAFT (Restricted Access Flexible Tool) and the SeeSnake EMIT (Electro-Magnetic Inspection Tool). Next, we’ll discuss these tools further, including their particular applications. 

SeeSnake RAFT

As one of the latest additions to PICA’s state-of-the-art inspection equipment, the SeeSnake RAFT is specifically designed to assess C-301 and C-303 steel cylinder pipes with wire reinforcements embedded in concrete and covered with mortar. The SeeSnake RAFT features a collapsible design that can be inserted through small access ports like manways. The RAFT can cover about 2 kilometres (1.4 miles) of 36”-60” pipe per day as a self-contained tethered unit. Overall the data provided by the RAFT is exceptionally detailed and accurate. At PICA Corp, our team of experienced technicians can inspect your vital water pipelines so that you can address any issues before they develop into significant problems.

SeeSnake EMIT

Another addition to the PICA pipeline inspection toolkit is the SeeSnake EMIT. Like the RAFT, the EMIT is assembled inside the pipeline, eliminating the need for excavations or line cutting. This non-destructive pipeline inspection tool is also entirely self-contained and is suitable for large pipes between 60”-108” that are internally lined. This inspection tool can identify several defects like broken wires, bars and corroded cylinders.

Both RAFT and EMIT SeeSnakes can detect “Loss of Preload”: a condition of C301 E pipes caused by broken wires which locally fail to provide compression of the cylinder.

Why is RFT Better Suited for Water Main Inspections?

RFT inspections have several advantages over other inspection methods like Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) or Ultrasonic Testing (UT). Some of the benefits of RFT inspection tools are as follows:

• They don’t require contact with the inside surface of the pipeline
• They can work in both lined pipes and pipes with internal tubercles up to 1” thick
• Capable of detecting local corrosion pits before the line is perforated and begins to leak
• RFT tools can are bi-directional and can work in pipelines that are currently flowing, pressurized or empty (pipe sizes u to 42″). Larger pipes require de-watering.
• RFT tools can inspect materials like cast iron and can scan through liners without causing damage
• Suitable for long-range inspections greater than 30 miles (50km)
• Able to be deployed in tethered or free-swimming modes

With over 25 years of experience using RFT inspection tools, PICA Corp. can safely and accurately determine the condition of your oil and gas, water, wastewater or slurry pipelines. Our team understands the wear and tear your pipelines must face over time. Ensuring that they’re in peak condition is key to maintaining the safety and integrity of your operations.

Partner With PICA Today!

Since the early 1990’s PICA Corp. has been an industry leader in pipeline inspections, our team of technicians is focused on delivering outstanding inspection results by utilizing the latest technology and methods available today. We look forward to partnering with you to discover areas of concern on your pipelines; that way, you can initiate repair before a potential failure occurs. Are you interested in learning more about PICA Corp’s pipeline inspection services? Contact us today!