Q: What industry codes, recommended practices or standards a pipeline engineer must obtain and read to get a basic understanding of inline inspection and the challenges associated with the inspection task?

A: Inline Inspection (ILI) is an important tool in the investigation of the condition of a pipe¬line. It is a significant part of pipeline integrity management and, as such, complements a quality integrity management program and promotes safe, efficient, and cost-effective pipeline operation.
Inline Inspection tools, also known as “intelligent” or “smart” pigs, are devices designed to survey and gather information about different aspects of the condition of the pipeline without disrupting its operation. Theirs operation is based on technologies of nondestructive testing (NDT).

Codes, recommended practices or standards:

API 1163 - In Line Inspection Systems Qualification

Description: API 1163 covers the use of in-line inspection (ILI) systems for onshore and offshore gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. This includes, but is not limited to, tethered, self-propelled, or free flowing systems for detecting metal loss, cracks, mechanical damage, pipeline geometries, and pipeline location or mapping, The standard applies to both existing and developing technologies.

This standard is an umbrella document that provides performance-based requirements for ILI systems, including procedures, personnel, equipment, and associated software. Nothing in this standard is intended to inhibit the use of inspection systems or engineering solutions that are not covered by the standard. This may be particularly applicable where there is innovative developing technology. Where an alternative is offered, the standard may be used, provided any and all variations from the standard are identified and documented.

( reference: www.techstreet.com/standards/api-std-1163-r2018?product_id=1855368 )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pipeline Operators Forum - Specifications and Requirements for In Line Inspections

Description: These specifications specifies the advised operational and reporting requirements for ILI tools to be used for geometric measurement, mapping, metal loss, crack or other anomaly detection during their passage through pipelines. The tools may pass through the pipeline driven by the flow of a medium or may be towed by a vehicle or cable. The tools may be automatic and self-contained or may be operated from outside the pipeline via a data and power link.

This document is intended to serve as a generic in-line-inspection specification and therefore cannot cover all pipeline or pipeline operator specific issues. Users of this specification are therefore free to add or change requirements that should be based on their specific pipeline situation.

( reference: www.pipelineoperators.org/downloads-links )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NACE SP0102 - In-Line Inspection of Pipelines

Description: This standard outlines a process of related activities that a pipeline operator can use to plan, organize, and execute an ILI project. Guidelines pertaining to ILI data management and data analysis are included.
A key companion guide to this standard is NACE International Publication 35100.
NACE SP0102 standard is intended for use by individuals and teams planning, implementing, and managing ILI projects and programs. These individuals include engineers, operations and maintenance personnel, technicians, specialists, construction personnel, and inspectors.

( reference: https://store.nace.org/sp0102-2010-formerly-rp0102-in-line-inspecti... )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NACE TR 35100 - In-Line Inspection of Pipelines

Description: This document pertains to free swimming tools, as used predominantly in transmission pipelines, but the technologies are sometimes applicable in tethered or robotic tools.
This report is aimed at assisting in providing an understanding of the practical aspects of using the tools, highlighting the implications, and helping assess the benefits.

The section titled “Types of In-Line Inspection Tools” provides a brief explanation of cur-rently available technologies and tools. The procedures and rationale behind decisions leading to the use of in-line inspection tools and the associated cost and benefits are discussed in the sections titled “Decision Making Process” and “Cost/Benefit.” The procedures related to inspections are discussed in “Operational Issues,” and finally, the sections titled “Results of ILI” and “Data Management” deal with the outcome and use of re¬sults of in-line inspection. A glossary of terms commonly used in the in-line nondestructive inspection of pipelines is included in Appendix A. Appendixes B, C, and D
provide generic specifications of tools and lists of activities connected to performing in-line inspections. Appendix E provides information on assessing ILI data.

( reference: https://store.nace.org/nace-publication-35100-2017-in-line-inspecti... )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSI ASNT ILI-PQ - In Line Inspection Personnel Qualification and Certification

Description: This personnel qualification and certification standard was developed by ASNT and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It was created to establish minimum requirements for qualification and certification of in-line inspection personnel whose jobs demand specific knowledge of the technical principals of in-line inspection technologies, operations, regulatory requirements and industry standards as applicable to pipeline systems.

( reference: https://www.asnt.org/MajorSiteSections/Standards/ASNT_Standards/ANS... )