Technology allows inspection without service disruption
InfraMetrix LLC announced a new buried infrastructure diagnostic service that utilizes broadband electromagnetic (BEM) eddy current technology. InfraMetrix is the only U.S. firm licensed to offer BEM for water, sewer and gas utilities. According to InfraMetrix, BEM will identify evidence of ferrous pipeline wall loss or other structural defects, enabling fast remedial action.
BEM, which was first developed in Australia, is a technology that can be used internally or externally, and will provide an accurate profile of the pipe wall and detect metal loss down to 1/25 in. BEM produces wall thickness contour maps that illustrate remaining wall thickness at surveyed sections. Estimates of annual rate of wall thickness loss and remaining useful life can be determined with BEM data.
According to InfraMetrix, BEM offers two major advantages over other pipeline inspection technologies. First, it does not require direct contact with the metal and can determine the thickness of the surveyed pipeline through coatings and linings without their removal. Second, it eliminates service disruptions because pipes can be inspected without disrupting service.