2006 Spring Meeting & 2nd Global Congress on Process Safety

(135d) Smart Pigs Aren't Geniuses

Author

Terry Williams - Presenter, Buckeye Partners LP


Although ILI technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, smart pigs are still not the magic cure-all for all piping inspection needs. An integrated approach needs to be developed to address the shortcomings of ILI or any other single assessment method. We will review a case incident where we wished our 20 ? 20 hindsight had been included in our foresight. The case involves the rupture of a propylene pipeline at about 85% of MAOP. ILI technology had been used to inspect the line just 15 months prior to the rupture and no anomaly was indicated at the rupture point.