Advanced Pipe Explorer Robotics technology makes every pipeline accessible

Operators of critical gas and liquid infrastructure often face pipelines that cannot be inspected using conventional inline inspection tools. Intero's robotic MFL inspection technology enables safe, reliable inspection of unpiggable pipelines while minimizing operational disruption. Using our Pipe Explorer platform, operators gain comprehensive integrity data for corrosion assessment, deformation detection, and integrity management decision-making.

Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) inspection is a proven inline inspection technology used to detect corrosion, metal loss, and other integrity threats within pipelines. By measuring magnetic field disturbances caused by anomalies in the pipe wall, operators gain accurate information to support integrity assessments and maintenance planning.

How MFL Robotic Inspections Work

Throughout the inline inspection process, live video images of the pipeline and integrity data are streamed to both Intero and pipeline operators. These functions are performed without the need of a tether and without any interruption to local natural gas services. For liquid pipeline inspection, the pipes must be cleaned and emptied prior to inspection.

Step 1

Pipeline operator welds a hot tap fitting to the pipeline.

Step 2

Pipe Explorer launch tube is secured to an industry-standard sandwich valve.

Step 3

Intero operator launches Pipe Explorer into the pipeline, conducts the inspection, and retrieves the robot through the same hot tap (or a second hot tap if one is installed).

• Keep pipelines in service: Inspect IN and OUT of service gas pipelines without major operational interruptions.
• Inspect previously inaccessible assets: Gain integrity data from pipelines that are conventionally “unpiggable”.
• Minimize environmental impact: Single-entry access with minimal excavation requirements and site disturbance.
• Obtain actionable integrity data: Combine MFL, deformation and video data to support informed integrity decisions.