COATING EVALUATION

SURVEYS

The Pipeline Professionals

Hunter M cDonnell Pipeline Services offers leading edge technology and
experienced technicians to locate wrap and coating faults on your pipeline.
General Principles

Applications

Using ElectroMagnetic Attenuation Coating

(EMAC) survey technology, an AC electrical
signal applied to a perfectly wrapped or coated
pipeline will show a virtually constant rate of
attenuation along the line.

Periodic surveys of existing buried

pipelines in areas where corrosion and leaks
are likely to develop.

If a fault in the coating is present in any section

of the line, the associated attenuation rate
(measured in millibels) will be much greater
than on an undamaged section, due to a larger
fraction of current escaping to the earth through
the fault. Faults can arise from: general decay,
poorly applied or missing wrap, disbonding,
mechanical damage, contact with a
sleeve/casing or anothe r buried service.
The AC current is transmitted directly to the
pipe by the signal generator, a self-contained
computerized unit powered by rechargeable
batteries, which is attached to the pipeline at a
convenient point. The receiver component
detects the radiated electro- magnetic field and
guides the operator directly over the pipeline,
where it computes the depth of the line and the
strength of the remaining signal. Relevant data,
including location, depth (meters or feet) and
signal current (mA) are transferred to a
computerized database and analyzed on site.
The receiver does not require electrical contact
with the ground since the measured values are
determined from the radiated electro- magnetic
field. The system is therefore equally effective
regardless if the pipeline is running under
roadways, concrete or water.

Complete surveys of new lines confirming

location, cover and wrap quality prior to
final acceptance.
Surveys of lines where the right of way is
otherwise restricted.
Surveys of environmentally sensitive areas
such as river/creek crossings, wetlands and
flood plains.
Verification assessment of lines in the
vicinity of excavations or other engineering
works, substantiating potential claims.
Generation of true as-builts that include
position, cover and location of tees.
Sacrificial anodes, cross bonds, insulating
flanges, etc. of existing lines can sometimes
be detected under certain circumstances
Determine movement of lines due to
erosion or ground conditions.
Emergency location of leaks and wrapping
faults.

HUNTER MCDONNELL PIPELINE SERVICES INC

EDMONTON, ALBERTA
1-866-434-7872

HOUSTON, TEXAS
www.hmpsi.com

HM Coating Evaluation Surveys

Continued

Features
Fully computerized system for carrying out
electro-magnetic surveys of buried steel
pipelines to check for wrapping, coating
faults, and potential corrosion. It provides
greater speed, greater accuracy, lower
operating cost, and it can operate in almost
any land-based environment.
The data displayed to the operator is not
dependent on the orientation of the
instrument to the pipeline
eliminating a possible
source of error.

The signal supplied by the transmitter will

remain constant throughout the survey
despite possible changes in ground
resistance.
Each set of readings displayed and stored
by the data logger is computed from
continuous sampling of the magnetic field
to eliminate spikes and temporary
variations.

The receiver requires no

ground contact coating
can be assessed and faults
located under virtually any
surface tarmac,
reinforced concrete, water,
and inside sleeves and
casings.
HM has developed remote
antenna coils for
underwater surveys,
eliminating the need for
divers.
The systems variable
selective operating frequenc ies offer ground
condition compatibility while minimizing
interference. The filtration system and
directional independent antenna ensure
maximum accuracy of results.

The PISCES transmitter can be adjusted via

DTMF communications, eliminating the
need for extra personnel or unnecessary
travel time for manual adjustments.

HUNTER MCDONNELL PIPELINE SERVICES INC

EDMONTON, ALBERTA
1-866-434-7872

HOUSTON, TEXAS
www.hmpsi.com