Pipeline Integrity and advanced NDT Inspection: Steel Material Verification, Defect Assessment, and QA/QC Systems

 

Overview:

This course provides an integrated approach to pipeline integrity management, combining advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques, material verification methods, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) systems. Participants will develop the ability to detect, assess, and report defects in pipeline steel materials, as well as verify compliance with international standards and project specifications.

The program covers a wide range of inspection techniques, including Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), and advanced methods such as Phased Array (PAUT), TOFD, and Guided Wave Testing (GWT). It also emphasizes Positive Material Identification (PMI) and the importance of material traceability in preventing failures and ensuring operational integrity.

In addition, the course incorporates real-world case studies and practical applications to address common pipeline challenges such as corrosion, cracking, weld defects, and material degradation. 

Course Details

Date:

23rd – 24th April 2026

Venue:

Online

Time:

8:30 – 16:30 Daily

CPD:

2 CPD Points- ECSA

Fees:

R8 999 

Course Content

Module 1: Pipeline Systems & Failure Mechanisms
  • Pipeline lifecycle: design → construction → operation → maintenance
  • Common pipeline failures:
Module 2: Pipeline Steel & Material Verification
  • API 5L steel grades and properties
  • Material traceability and certification
  • Heat treatment and its effects
  • Material degradation mechanisms
Module 3: Fundamentals of NDT
  • NDT principles and selection criteria
  • Advantages & limitations per method
  • Safety in NDT operations
Module 4: Visual & Welding Inspection
  • Girth weld inspection techniques
  • Weld defects (cracks, porosity, lack of fusion, etc.)
  • Welding procedure compliance
  • Acceptance criteria (API/ASME)
Module 5: Ultrasonic Testing (UT & Advanced UT)
  • Thickness measurement (corrosion monitoring)
  • Flaw detection in pipeline welds
  • Phased Array UT (PAUT)
  • Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD)
  • Data interpretation
Module 6: Radiographic Testing (RT)
  • X-ray and gamma-ray inspection
  • Digital radiography
  • Weld defect interpretation
  • Radiation safety compliance
Module 7: Surface NDT Methods (MT & PT)
  • Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
  • Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
  • Surface defect detection in welds and fittings
Module 8: Advanced Pipeline Inspection Technologies
  • Guided Wave Testing (GWT)
  • Eddy Current Testing (ET)
  • Acoustic Emission Testing (AE)
  • Introduction to Intelligent Pigging (ILI / Smart Pigs)
Module 9: Corrosion Engineering & Defect Assessment
  • Internal vs external corrosion
  • Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)
  • Corrosion under insulation (CUI)
  • Defect sizing and criticality assessment
Module 10: Positive Material Identification (PMI)
  • XRF and OES analyzers
  • Alloy verification
  • Material mix-up prevention
  • Documentation and traceability
Module 11: QA/QC Systems for Pipeline Inspection
  • Inspection Test Plans (ITPs)
  • Hold points & witness points
  • Method statements
  • Quality control procedures
  • Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs)
  • Inspection documentation
Module 12: Codes, Standards & Compliance
  • API 570 – Pipeline Inspection Code
  • ASME B31.3 / B31.4 / B31.8
  • ISO NDT standards
Module 13: Fitness-for-Service (FFS) & Integrity Decision-Making
  • Remaining life assessment
  • Repair vs replace decisions
  • Risk-based inspection (RBI) basics

Each delegate will need the following to attend:

 

  • Steady Internet connection for the duration of the training
  • Laptop / PC / Smart Phone and Power supply (Charger)
  • Zoom Meeting Software installed onto your laptop /
  • PC / Smart Phone
  • Quiet Space