RAE Engineering
RAE Engineering and Inspection Ltd.
Mechanical Engineering
RAE Engineering

In-Line Inspection and Dig Program Project Management


It is required by CSA Z662 (Clause 9.9.6 and Clause 9.10.3) that operating companies monitor the effectiveness of the internal and external corrosion control programs. Internal inspection equipment is one of the techniques to be considered and may be specified in a company's pipeline integrity management program or the corrosion control program for individual pipelines. CSA Z662 Annex D, NACE International Publication 35100, and NACE Recommended Practice 0102 provide guidelines for in-line inspection of pipelines.

  • Selecting pipelines for in-line inspection through Corrosion Control Program Development or Risk Assessment.
  • Selecting sites for selective excavation and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) or cut-out based on In-line Inspection, Corrosion Control Program Development or Risk Assessment.
  • Selection of in-line inspection technology.
  • Selection of in-line inspection contractor.
  • Site visit to determine unique requirements, conduct feasibility study, and gather data for completing contractor pre-job forms.
  • Planning and preparation of the inspection operation including:

          - Determining resource requirements including: equipment, personnel,

            fluids and facilities,

          - Managing preparation of the pipeline including: piping modifications,

            cleaning, bore and bend proving, and verification of satisfactory trap

            and valve operations,

          - Establishing above-ground marker locations,

          - Providing procedures for launching and receiving the inspection tool and

            to establish and monitor required flow conditions,

          - Determining any need to track the location and speet of the tool,

          - Managing collection and siposal of fluids and debris,

          - Developing contingency plans for operations problems, and

          - Arranging for equipment and personnel.

  • On-site management of the inspection operation.
  • Selection of examination method.
  • Planning and preparation for excavation operations including:

          - Determining resource requirements,

          - Arranging for pipeline location,

          - Identifying excavation location, and

          - Arranging for equipment and personnel.

  • On-site management of excavation and examination operations.
  • Arranging for any necessary off-site examination of pipe samples.
  • Reporting on all operations and results.