A pipeline anomaly assessment workflow should preserve the chain from the original ILI call to the final engineering record. The record needs to show what was reported, what was found in the field, which measurements were used, how the anomaly was assessed, what action was selected and which evidence supports the final report. A connected workflow reduces transcription gaps, but it does not remove the need for qualified technical and engineering review.
1. Import and review the ILI feature set
Start with the ILI run, pipeline segment, direction, feature identifiers and source files. Import the reported feature type, location, clock position, depth, length, width, confidence or severity fields and any interaction grouping supplied by the vendor or operator. Review the import for units, duplicate identifiers, missing references and features that fall outside the project scope.
Keep the source ILI values visible. If a later field examination changes a location or dimension, add the verified value and the reason for the change rather than replacing the original call. This distinction matters when an operator compares runs or reviews a feature history.
2. Plan and document dig verification
Assign each selected feature to a dig or examination record. Capture the reference welds, stationing, odometer or wheel-count reconciliation, GPS where collected, exposure limits, coating condition and photos. The direct examination should document the field-observed condition and the measurements required for the selected assessment or disposition.
Field data can include a UT grid, line profile, minimum wall thickness, maximum depth, axial length, circumferential width, clock position, interaction observations and surface condition. Calibration details and limitations should remain attached to the record. A no-find is also a result and should include the search method and conclusion.
3. Assess the verified anomaly
After correlation, choose an assessment basis that fits the feature and data. For corrosion or metal loss, the record may contain B31G, Modified B31G or RSTRENG-style calculated results, together with pipe diameter, wall, material, pressure, dimensions, factors and assumptions. A detailed UT profile or encoded C-Scan can provide the axial and circumferential geometry needed for a more representative assessment than a single minimum-wall or maximum-depth value.
Calculated failure pressure, remaining-strength values, pressure ratios, or factors of safety are engineering assessment inputs. They do not decide compliance or approve continued operation. The qualified engineer reviews the result with uncertainty, interaction, growth, operating conditions, failure mode and the governing procedure before selecting a disposition.
4. Record repair and as-found condition
If repair, mitigation or monitoring is selected, document the as-found condition before work and the completed condition after work. Include repair type, location, materials or sleeve information where applicable, coating condition, photographs, weld or reference locations, testing records and any follow-up requirement.
Retain the recommendation, engineering disposition and completed repair record with the anomaly rather than in an unrelated project note. The final record should make it clear what was originally reported, what was found during direct examination, what action was taken and what evidence supports closure of the anomaly.
5. Compile the final report
The final package should bring together the scope, ILI summary, feature list, dig records, field measurements, photos, drawings, calculations, findings, disposition, and recommendations where applicable, repair records and reviewer sign-off information. A report reader should be able to trace a conclusion back to the source data without reconstructing the project from separate spreadsheets and folders.
Pipeline Integrity connects anomaly records, UT grids, calculated results, as-called/as-found information and report pages. Use SketchMapp inspection drawings when a location drawing or weld/CML reference is needed to make the field record readable.
Questions inspectors ask
What is the most important control in the workflow?
Preserve source values and show every material change through a traceable verified value, note or attachment.
When is an assessment complete?
The calculation is only one step. The assessment is complete when the data quality, assumptions, engineering review and disposition are documented under the applicable procedure.
What belongs in the final report?
Include scope, source ILI data, correlation, field evidence, calculations, photos, drawings, repair or monitoring records, recommendations and review information.