Successful Deployment of Contactless Magnetic Inspection Technology (CMIT) for the Prioritization of External Corrosion Engineering Assessment (ECEA) Digs

Abstract As pipeline operators face increasing pressure to optimize integrity assessments while managing operational costs, innovative technologies like contactless magnetic inspection technology (CMIT) are reshaping how dig programs are prioritized. This paper presents a compelling case study of how one operator successfully leveraged CMIT to refine and streamline their external corrosion engineering assessment process—saving both time and significant resources. Initially, dig locations were selected based on traditional aboveground techniques, including cathodic protection close interval potential survey (CP CIPS), direct current voltage gradient (DCVG), alternating current current attenuation (ACCA), and alternating current voltage gradient (ACVG). These methods, while valuable, identified a high number of dig sites, many of which were in high-sensitive areas, presenting a costly and logistically complex challenge. To enhance precision and reduce unnecessary excavation, the operator introduced CMIT as an additional screening tool. By deploying ground-based magnetic sensors along the pipeline right-of-way, CMIT detected magnetic field anomalies linked to corrosion, cracks, dents, sags, and other structural threats. The results enabled engineers to reclassify and reprioritize dig sites based on severity and likelihood of failure. The outcome was impressive: several locations initially flagged for excavation were downgraded or removed from the dig list altogether, while critical sites were confirmed and prioritized with greater confidence. The integration of CMIT into the assessment process delivered substantial cost savings and improved decision-making. This real-world application showcases how CMIT offers a transformative, non-intrusive solution for dig prioritization, empowering operators to focus on the right digs, at the right time, with greater confidence and efficiency.