Inspection services

We provide a wide range of pipeline and asset inspection services, such as visual inspection, corrosion measurement and corrosion rectification, along with non-destructive testing. These include surface inspection methods, such as magnetic-particle inspection and dye-penetrant inspection, plus sub-surface inspection like radiography and phased array, along with hydrostatic testing. We have also invested in 3D laser scanners, used by our trained technicians, which will eventually replace the traditional P11 inspection. 

3D laser scanners

These hand-held laser scanners increase the efficiency and speed of pipeline damage measurement. They therefore save time and money, while increasing data accuracy and reporting, and also improve safety by reducing the time technicians spend in excavations. A typical general corrosion inspection can be reduced from 1 hour to around 5 minutes, of course resulting in faster restoration of pipeline operations. The scanners are fully weatherproof and can be used for inspecting pipeline corrosion or mechanical defects, complex shapes and hard-to-reach areas.

Corrosion and mechanical damage 

Our trained technicians and engineers can undertake inspection on non-leaking high-pressure steel pipelines, including vent and sealant lines. We can also carry out full assessment and categorisation as the mechanical damage assessor (MDA).

Non-destructive testing

Our full suite of non-destructive testing methods can assess the integrity of the pipe through magnetic particle inspection, dye penetration, x-ray and phased array.

Painting inspections

Our Ambergate site employs many full-time, fully qualified painting inspectors. They can inspect any item to National Grid standard PA10, the specification for new and maintenance painting at works and sites for above-ground pipeline and plant installations.

Phased array

We use phased array ultrasonics (PA) whenever possible, as this method doesn’t carry the health and safety risks associated with radiography, and requires fewer people on site. It's an advanced method of testing, and preferred due to its speed. In addition, its resulting data can be sent to clients for review without the need for them to visit the site. We also use this technique for weld inspection, especially for golden welds. Phased array can be used to inspect almost any material where traditional ultrasonic methods have previously been used.

PSSR inspections

The Health and Safety at Work Act and the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 aim to ensure the safety of pressure systems. They are also designed to prevent serious injury from the hazard of stored energy, resulting from the failure of a pressure system or one of its component parts.

We offer a full programme of 12-yearly major inspections on all applicable pressure vessels on the NTS, and IDNs on the gas distribution network. We conduct a full site survey of all assets required under the Regulations, and are in regular communication with the PSSR external competent body. We develop and agree a programme to establish site conditions, access requirements and current asset condition, looking at all previous inspection reports beforehand. We then carry out a full inspection of each asset, ultimately assuring the business that the asset is safe and compliant for full operational use for the next 12 years.

Our process can ensure a high percentage of defects are rectified on site, to reduce remobilisation and revisitation costs. We plan our work geographically to ensure efficiency and effective movement of the inspections team.

Radiography

We use radiography when we are unable to deploy phased array - for example, on stainless steel or in small tight areas where we cannot fit a probe for inspection. 

Visual asset surveys

With our diverse range of skills, we can offer various types of visual surveys, ranging from asset data collection, categorisation of pipework and asset condition (i.e VS02) to valve survey and investigation work. We tailor all surveys to your requirements.

We carry out a full line-walking service, reporting any defects and remediating all raised defects within 28 days. This includes taking depth measurements to ensure the correct depth coverage of the pipeline, and completing minor repairs during the walk. 

The posts we install include aerial marker posts (AMP), M4s and cathodic protection posts (CP), and can carry out CP repairs.

Welding inspections

Our team of inspectors will ensure the correct welding procedure is in place before welding, and you are happy with the parameters. During welding, we monitor the essential variables throughout the whole welding process, and carry out a visual check on the finished weld. Once the weld has cooled for over 24 hours, we carry out NDT to the relevant specification, before testing hydrostatically. We control and record all this in an inspection test plan (ITP).