Unlike conventional combo tools, the GEMINI tool uses an active speed control with a gas bypass capability to run in high-speed gas pipelines to obtain both corrosion and deformation information without restricting gas flow or line speed, a feature common to the VECTRA magnetic flux leakage (MFL) metal loss tools.
The GEMINI tool allows pipeline operators to accurately size and detect corrosion features using the triaxial sensor technology, which effectively detects cracks in dents and other mechanical damage, including wrinkles, gouging and metal loss within dents.
The tool also sizes and detects dents in the pipeline. The high-density caliper sensor spacing and high axial sample rate allows for accurate, effective strain in dent calculations to be performed for dent repair prioritization.
The standard inertial mapping unit on the tool makes it possible to calculate bending strain information, as well as provide accurate pipeline location information, which can be critical when the pipeline is located in a geotechnically unstable area.