Medium Resolution Technology for Assessing Medium to High-Risk Metallic Pipes

Aug 27, 2015

Metallic pipes have a long history in distribution systems throughout North America, with cast iron and carbon steel making their debut in the early 1800s. In many states, pipelines deploying the early metal are still in service, including the cast iron water main buried in 1831 beneath what is now Greenwich Village.

Ductile iron (DI) replaced cast iron as the metallic pipe of choice with its introduction to the marketplace in 1955. And while ductile iron is stronger and more fracture-resistant than steel or cast iron, all three are ferrous materials, susceptible to corrosion and brittleness, with different failure tendencies between the various metals. Inline methods to locate corrosion on metallic pipes are relatively new in the water and wastewater industry. Pure Technologies leads the way with the development and application of innovative inspection tools and technologies that can identify damage on the pipe wall.

Risk prioritization as a starting point

Before undertaking any metallic pipe inspection, a utility should first complete a risk prioritization of all their buried assets, factoring in a variety of consequence of failure (COF) and likelihood of failure (LOF) variables to determine the highest/lowest risk pipelines. A distribution pipe buried in a cornfield probably has a lower risk profile than a water main buried under a children’s hospital.

This first step in risk analysis is critical, and can help determine a prioritized strategy. The higher the risk, the more an operator requires reliable information for an action plan to replace, rehabilitate or inspect the pipes further to gather more precise data.

Using asset risk to guide the management strategies, an operator can feel confident about implementing the right approach, at the right time, with the lowest financial impact. Overall, this strategy ensures long-term service, reliability and safe operation.

Match the technology and inspection method with the risk

This initial process also allows operators to choose the most appropriate inspection method based on different pipe material and operational requirements, including lack of redundancy. If the analysis ranks the mains as medium to high-risk pipes, it makes sense to utilize medium to high-resolution inspection technologies. High risk pipes are probably more expensive and more difficult to replace, and probably affect more people if taken out of service.

No one solution for every pipeline

Every pipeline has a unique set of conditions, which is why there is no one silver bullet that works across the board. However, if a utility has a strong understanding of the risk and operational conditions of different areas in their system, an appropriate and defensible inspection plan can be developed. This process allows operators to develop a sustainable long-term strategy for managing their critical buried assets.

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