Innovative Non-Contact Overline Survey Techniques for the Water and Wastewater Industry

Abstract Proven survey technologies currently used in the oil and gas industry have significant potential within the water sector due to their ability to identify, characterize and prioritize external metal loss, cracks, and weld anomalies from aboveground. One of the emerging technologies for municipal application is the non-contact magnetic gradient tomography method (MTM-G). This technology uses magnetic sensors from aboveground to identify stress concentration zones on buried metallic pipelines. MTM-G does not require direct contact with the pipeline, making it suitable for inspecting buried pipelines without the need for excavation or costly interventions. This non-intrusiveness allows water operators to evaluate the condition of unpiggable pipelines without disrupting operations or requiring extensive preparation. MTM-G can detect external anomalies, such as external metal loss, third-party damage, or ground movement, that pose a significant risk to buried water pipelines. By identifying these external threats early on, water operators can take proactive measures to prevent pipeline failures, such as repairing damaged coatings or reinforcing vulnerable sections of the pipeline. This paper summarizes this innovative solution and its potential within the water sector.