Common Signs Your Pipeline Isn’t Ready for ILI

Before running an inline inspection tool, it’s important to determine whether the pipeline is ready for accurate data collection.

In many cases, pipelines are sent for inspection too early—leading to unreliable results, additional analysis, or even reruns.

Here are some common signs your pipeline may need additional cleaning before an ILI run:

You’re Still Recovering Significant Debris

If each pig run is bringing back large amounts of wax, scale, or debris, the pipeline is likely not clean enough for inspection.

A properly prepared pipeline should show minimal debris recovery, with each run removing less material than the last.

Ferrous Debris Is Still Present

For pipelines preparing for MFL inspection, ferrous debris is a major concern.

If magnets continue to collect significant amounts of metal debris, they can interfere with the tool's magnetic field and degrade data quality.

Pig Speed Is Inconsistent

If your cleaning pigs are surging, slowing down, or stalling, it may be a sign of debris buildup or flow issues.

Most ILI tools require a consistent speed range to collect accurate data. If speed is unstable during cleaning, it will likely be unstable during inspection.

You’re Seeing Unexpected Pressure Changes

Pressure fluctuations during pig runs can indicate restrictions, heavy debris, or buildup inside the pipeline.

These conditions can affect both pig performance and the reliability of the inspection tool.

You’re Not Sure What’s in the Line.

If there’s uncertainty about the pipeline’s condition—especially for older lines or those with limited pigging history—it’s usually best to take a more conservative cleaning approach.

Unknown conditions increase the risk of poor inspection results.

You’re Planning a “One-and-Done” Cleaning Run

If the plan is to run a single cleaning pig and proceed directly to ILI, there’s a higher risk of incomplete cleaning.

In most cases, multiple runs are required to properly prepare a pipeline for inspection.

When in Doubt, Clean It Out

One of the most common causes of poor ILI data is insufficient cleaning.

Taking the time to properly prepare the pipeline helps ensure:

• More reliable inspection data
• Fewer surprises during analysis
• Reduced risk of reruns and delays

If there’s uncertainty, it’s always better to address it before the inspection—not after.

👉 If you’re unsure whether your pipeline is ready, we can help you evaluate your cleaning program and recommend the next steps.
📞 800-752-1628