Patent ID: 9404903
Filing Date: 2016-08-02
CPC Classification: G01M,G01N

Claim Text:
1. A method for pipeline inspection comprising: providing a pipeline inspection apparatus configured for operating multiple inspection modes using sensors on the apparatus to provide inspection data relating to the presence of cracks and/or corrosion in wall material of a pipeline; carrying out an inspection run in which a pipeline inspection apparatus travels inside a pipeline, wherein sensors on the apparatus are configured to conduct an in-line inspection of wall material along a length of the pipeline; under normal operating conditions, using a first inspection mode to provide a primary inspection data set for the pipeline wall material upstream and downstream of a location of one or more dented regions; selectively triggering a second inspection mode to provide a second inspection data set for the pipeline wall material as the apparatus travels through the one or more dented regions in the length of the pipeline wherein the second inspection mode is less sensitive to the geometric effects of the one or more dented regions than the first inspection mode; and combining the primary inspection data set and the second inspection data set to provide a direct assessment for the presence of cracks and/or corrosion in wall material along the length of the pipeline, including along the one or more dented regions.