What is active speed control?Active speed control is accomplished with a drive section that can be added to an inline inspection (ILI) tool to control the speed at which the tool moves through a line. Because data quality can suffer when an ILI tool moves too quickly through a line, maintaining appropriate speed is critical, and active speed control facilitates that. In effect, it is similar to placing a governor on an engine to limit its speed.

Is tool speed a common concern during inspection runs?It can be. High velocity gas lines, for example, can flow so rapidly that accurate magnetic flux leakage (MFL) metal loss inspections become impossible. In such cases, adding an active speed control drive section to the inspection tool can keep the tool within a speed range that is optimal for collecting data.

So active speed control is intended for use in gas lines?Active speed control is specifically designed to be paired with MFL inspection technology for use in high velocity gas lines. In fact, TDW large-diameter GMFL tools were designed to facilitate the addition of a speed control unit. XYZ Mapping and high resolution Deformation (DEF) capabilities may also be added to provide multiple data sets from multiple technologies in the same inspection run.

How does active speed control work?The active speed control module is a patent-pending design that monitors tool speed and controls a valve that can move as needed to bypass gas. This bypass keeps the tool’s velocity at a level appropriate for collection of accurate inspection data. The amount of bypass is actively modulated to keep the tool within a desired speed range.

Does use of speed control decrease the flow rate within the line?No. There is little or no impact on the actual gas flow rate, so overall pipeline throughput is unaffected even as data collection is optimized. l

Below we are answering a handful of questions about one of the innovative products or services offered by T.D. Williamson.

on Active Speed Control

For more information, visit www.tdwilliamson.com and navigate to Inline Inspection Services.