Many pipelines, particularly unpiggable pipelines, cannot be inspected using traditional intelligent pigging methods due to their short length, complex structure, or inaccessibility. As a result, pipeline operators struggle with limited visibility into pipeline integrity, increasing the risk of undetected corrosion, leaks, or structural failure.Conventional inspection methods often require physical access, manual effort, and operational shutdowns, which are costly, time-consuming, and disruptive. There is a clear need for a non-intrusive, continuous, and remote monitoring solution that can provide accurate, real-time data on the structural health of unpiggable pipelines—without interrupting operations.

ULRAT provides a non-intrusive, continuous monitoring system for unpiggable pipelines by using acoustic emission (AE) technology to detect corrosion and assess structural integrity. It is designed specifically for pipelines that cannot be inspected using traditional pigging methods due to short lengths, complex structures, or accessibility challenges. The system is installed once and enables autonomous, long-range monitoring without interrupting pipeline operations. It offers real-time integrity assessments, regular raw data collection, and web-based visualisation of pipeline health. ULRAT allows pipeline operators to detect issues early, reduce environmental risks, and avoid costly downtime providing a reliable, safe, and efficient solution for pipeline condition monitoring.

The innovation of ULRAT lies in its ability to monitor the structural health of unpiggable pipelines using acoustic emission (AE) technology over long distances without interrupting operations. Unlike traditional inspection methods that require manual access or shutdowns, ULRAT enables continuous, autonomous monitoring with a one-time installation. It combines real-time data acquisition, web-based visualisation, and probability of failure prediction models (e.g., ASME B31G and DNV standards) to deliver a complete picture of pipeline integrity. ULRAT’s use of AE sensors for non-intrusive, remote detection of corrosion in inaccessible pipelines makes it a first-of-its-kind solution tailored for difficult pipeline environments, improving both safety and maintenance planning.