TransCanada has a need to manage sections of the pipeline that are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) failure by periodically performing hydrostatic testing. Since hydrostatic testing requires a complete service interruption, In Line Inspection technologies (operating in gas pipelines without liquid couplant) are being investigated as an alternate method to managing this hazard. This requirement resulted in a joint technology and tool development project involving GE Energy and TransCanada. The EmatScan® Crack Detection (CD) tool is designed to detect and size longitudinally oriented external SCC features in gas-filled pipelines. During autumn 2002, the EmatScan® CD tool was run in a 64 km section of the TransCanada system. In 2003, field correlation excavations were conducted to assess the accuracy of the tool. This paper describes the results from the correlation program conducted to validate GE Energy’ 36 inch (914 mm) diameter EMAT (Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducer) crack detection tool.

A pipeline to bring arctic gas to southern markets requires an appropriate coating system able to withstand the rigors of northern construction and operations. A multi-layer system of fusion bond epoxy overcoated with polyethylene was selected for the mainline coating of a construction project in Northern Alberta, Canada to test out proposed arctic construction materials and practices. Coating of the girth weld area is critical to the overall coating performance. A multi-layer liquid coating system and an epoxy primer based hot melt shrink sleeve system were tested and used for coating the welds. Preliminary full-scale application trials at −48C were performed to validate the proposed field application procedures. Results of the trials and field experience will be reported.