Pipeline Inspection Tools

The Caliper Tool (CTool)

The caliper tool (CTOOL) is designed to provide pipeline operators information on dents and buckles that exceed regulatory codes or would restrict the passing of an In Line Inspection (ILI) tool. It can also be used to provide bend radius and pipeline profile information for monitoring pipeline strain in areas where settlement, slope instability, temperature and pressure variations are a concern.
The CTOOL provides the required information in a very cost effective manner, as the tool is designed to detect only those pipeline anomalies that exceed prescribed regulatory code requirements or other operating parameters that would impede the passage of an ILI tool.
Logged information can be quickly provided to the pipeline operator on removal of the CTOOL from the pipeline, allowing for immediate decision-making. Field reporting is usually done within one hour of CTOOL recovery with final detailed reporting completed at a later date.
The CTOOL utilizes both electronic data recording and a resilient detector disc that will record all anomalies exceeding specified thresholds. Multiple sizes of resilient detector discs can be utilized on each inspection run. The CTOOL will also identify the o’clock position of the anomaly. Detection thresholds are supplied by the pipeline operator according to operating parameters, regulatory codes or from information supplied by the ILI vendor.
The CTOOL identifies the location of anomalies in relation to Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) time and distance. This recorded time and distance, along with tracker identified Above Ground References (AGR's) are used to correlate the location of the anomaly while the resilient detector disc markings will identify the size and shape of the anomaly. In many cases the detector disc markings will identify the cause of the anomaly.
The CTOOL technician will work with the pipeline operator prior to the inspection survey and identify known fittings, valves, anomalies, or other locations of special interest. The CTOOL'S time of passage can be recorded by the technician at each of these locations and other AGR’s, for correlation with data recorded by the CTOOL. Anomaly indications are then precisely located and may also be correlated with information from other ILI data.

LINE PROFILE The CTOOL can also be equipped to provide bend radius and pipeline profile information for monitoring pipeline strain in areas where an operator has a concern. Pipeline profile data can also be used by those who model and simulate pipeline flow and pressure gradients.
BUCKLES The CTOOL can be configured to detect pipeline movement and strain information due to settlement, slope instability and other temperature and pressure variations.
WELDS AND BENDS The CTOOL has been used by clients to locate elbows for removal as well as locating fusion welds in plastic pipe.
PIPELINE FLOWS The CTOOL has been used to validate pipeline dimensions before ILI surveys ensuring run success.

CTOOL Specifications

CTOOL sizes 76mm to 914mm (3” Through 36”)
Run time Greater than 1,000 hours
Run distance 700 kms (400 miles)
Bend capability 1.5d bends
Maximum restriction 30%
Anomaly identified by o’clock position

Download CTOOL brochure.