• There are several types of pipe inspections to prevent disasters.pipeline image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
  
  Within the United States alone lie millions of miles of pipe carrying water, crude oil and everything in between. While a burst waterline doesn't hurt the environment, cracks, construction flaws and corrosion can cause spills and leaks that are dangerous for both the environment and nearby people. Fortunately, there are different types of pipe inspections that can help prevent such disasters.
  
  

Smart Pigs

• A smart pig, also known as a line inspection tool, is a robotic gadget that gathers data about the condition of the pipe from inside the pipe. According to GE Oil & Gas, the pipe is divided into sections with an air lock or torpedo launch tube called a pig trap at the beginning and end of each section. This allows a pig to be pressurized before it launches into the pipe for inspection. The Pigging Products and Services Association states that these pigs not only map the pipeline but record the diameter and geometry measurements of the pipe, its curvature, its temperature and its pressure. These readings allow the engineers and technicians to determine if the pipeline is functioning safely and properly or where repairs may need to be made. The pig can also send back photographs of the pipes for engineers to inspect. Pipe thickness, corrosion and cracks can be detected by pigs as well.
  
  

Hydrostatic Test

• Engineers also inspect pipes during the construction phase of a pipeline. They perform the hydrostatic test once the pipe has been welded, bent, coated and carefully lowered into the ground but not yet buried. Engineers and technicians run water continuously through the complete length of the pipe at pressures higher than needed, according to Natural Gas. This tests the pipe's strength to withstand pressure before any chemicals are run through it. The hydrostatic test also locates any leaks within the pipe.
  
  

Safety Procedures and Precautions

• To ensure pipes continue to function safely when carrying natural gas, pipeline personnel conduct safety precautions and procedures. According to Natural Gas, personnel routinely check the surface above the pipes for leaks using natural-gas-detecting equipment and test pipe values for malfunctions. They also gather gas samples. These samples can reveal corrosion of the inside of the pipeline or other contaminants that may affect the integrity of the pipe. As a precaution measure, planes patrol pipelines to prevent unauthorized construction that might damage a pipeline. Surface markers identify pipelines to prevent the public from unknowing interfering with underground pipes.