Pipeline inspection checklist
A pipeline inspection checklist is used by pipeline engineers to verify the integrity of a pipeline system and prevent costly shutdowns. use this checklist to inspect the pipeline’s design, installation, operation, maintenance, and corrosion control procedures, coating and cathodic protection, test stations, remedial measures, and monitoring.
What does this form include?
This form contains 10 sections:
Procedures
- Are corrosion control procedures established?
- Is there a program in effect to address corrosion problems on service lines?
- Are there procedures for design?
- Are there procedures for installation?
- Are there procedures for operation?
- Are there procedures for maintenance?
- Do we have procedures established for examining exposed cast iron pipe for evidence of graphitization?
- Do we have procedures established for remedial measures on cast iron pipe if graphitization is discovered?
- Are these procedures under the responsibility of a qualified person?
Corrosion Control
Atmospheric Corrosion Control
- Are insulating devices prohibited in areas where a combustible atmosphere is anticipated unless precautions are made to prevent arcing?
- Have above ground facilities been cleaned and coated?
- Is the coating material suitable for the prevention of atmospheric corrosion?
- Do we inspect piping exposed to the atmosphere?
- Do we give particular attention to the pipe at soil-to-air interfaces, under thermal insulation, under disbanded coating, at pipe supports, at deck penetrations, and in spans over water?
- If atmospheric corrosion is found, does the operator provide protection against the corrosion?
Coating
- Is the coating on steel pipe applied on a properly prepared surface?
- Does the coating on steel pipe have sufficient adhesion to resist underfilm migration of moisture?
- Is the coating on steel pipe sufficiently ductile to resist cracking?
- Does the coating on steel pipe have sufficient strength to resist damage due to handling and soil stress?
- Is the coating on steel pipe compatible with supplemental cathodic protection?
Cathodic Protection
- Is the amount of cathodic protection controlled to prevent damage to the protective coating or the pipe?
- Has each pipeline that is cathodically protected been tested?
- Has each cathodic protection rectifier been inspected?
Test Stations
- Are there sufficient test stations or test points?
- Are test leads mechanically secure to the pipe and electrically conductive?
- Are test leads attached to minimize stress concentration on the pipe?
- Are each bared test lead wire and bared metallic area (at point of connection) coated with an electrically insulating material compatible with the pipe coating and insulation on the wire?
Remedial Measures
- For each segment of transmission line with localized pitting to a degree where leakage might result, is the section of pipeline replaced, repaired, or have the operating pressure reduced?
- For distribution lines with a remaining wall thickness less than 30 percent of the nominal wall thickness, do we replace or repair the pipe?
- For distribution lines, do we replace or repair pipe with localized corrosion pitting?
- Is each segment of cast iron or ductile iron pipe on which general graphitization is found to a degree where a fracture or any leakage might result, replaced?
- Is each segment of cast iron or ductile iron pipe on which localized graphitization is found to a degree where any leakage might result, replaced or repaired, or sealed by internal sealing methods?
Monitoring
- Do we check for the proper performance of each reverse current switch, diode, and interference bond whose failure would jeopardize structure protection?
- Do we check for proper performance of other interference bonds?
- Is prompt remedial action taken to correct any deficiencies indicated by the monitoring?
- Are casing potentials monitored to detect the presence of shorts?
- Do we investigate & take appropriate action when indications of casing shorts are found?
- Do we monitor the system for stray currents and take appropriate steps to minimize detrimental effects?
Additional Observations
Inspector Name & Signature
Use this template