Why non destructive testing is important for oil pipelines?

If you are in oil industry you will also realize the importance of your pipeline being stable. Any instability such as crack or breach is likely to result in halt of work and the consequent losses. The loss sometimes could be enormous for oil companies because production cannot be started any sooner as the pipes will be needed replacing. If only they have conducted the non destructive testing or MP Magnetic particle testing this could have not happened.

What is a non-destructive testing? A non destructive testing or MPI as it is called shortly, is a test designed to detect irregularities on the surface of pipelines made with metals such as iron, cobalt, nickel and ferromagnetic alloy materials. The test also scans the subsurface to detect the irregularity and the agency which would carry out the test would employ a magnetic field on the affected surface. There are two kinds of MPI or NDT and they are Direct Magnetization and Indirect Magnetization. Conducting this test early could avoid the cracking or breaching of pipelines and save gas, oil and other materials derived from mining leaking from them. The enormity cannot be comprehended easily and the resultant losses would be difficult to recover.

The MT testing is significant to undertake however it being a crucial one must be done by an experienced agency with latest expertise at its command so that non halfway measures are exercised during the testing. It is important that the agency which takes the responsibility must have a machine shop which has all the requisite machines, tools and accessories at its disposal to carry out the test. It is also of paramount importance that the technicians who would undertake the MT are qualified and experienced so the test is done in the right way.   

Conducting routine checks regularly will avoid cracking or breaching of oil pipelines otherwise the companies will have to bear the consequences. A timely non-destructive test would avoid major issues and production will be continued because the company would ensure that the damage is repaired. Surface irregularities on the pipelines would not be visible to the naked eyes as they are micro in appearance and only the MPI will reveal them. There are agencies that have been working with oilfield companies for decades and they are the ones to approach when you feel that your pipeline needs to be inspected for surface irregularities. They would be the most appropriate because they are veterans in the field.