This paper will summarize the evolution of the EMAT technology since GE’s initial product launch in 2002. A key focus of this paper will be outlining several tool and analysis enhancements that result from the evaluation of over a 1000kms of EMAT tool pipeline inspection and 207 field confirmations. These tool and analysis enhancements are now incorporated in GE’s new 30 inch third generation EMAT In-Line Inspection (ILI) tool.

TransCanada typically manages the integrity of sections of gas transmission pipelines that are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) by periodically performing hydrostatic testing. Interest in an alternative approach to manage pipeline integrity in the presence of SCC and other forms of longitudinally oriented defects resulted in the endorsement of the latest generation of dry coupled in-line inspection tool. GE’s EMAT In-Line Inspection (ILI) tool uses the electromagnetic acoustic transducer technology to meet this requirement. This paper will summarize field experience results of the latest generation Emat In-Line inspection tool, which is commercial available since September 2008. It demonstrates, that the challenges have been overcome, the targets have been achieved, and the tool delivers the information of a distinguished ability of detection, sizing and discrimination performance, key parameters to conduct an effective pipeline integrity program.