PG&E put on a good show this morning as they demonstrated the usage of a wireless robotic inspection tool which inspected one of their transmission lines in Brentwood this morning. This technology sends images and streaming video back to PG&E Engineers for inspection. According to PG&E, this is the first time they have used this type of technology to inspect their pipes. Their goal is to use this technology to further help improve safety.
According to the the vendors website, Pipetel Solutions, their technology inspects 6 to 36 inch diameter natural gas pipelines that are unpiggable by conventional inline inspection (ILI) tools. The technologies behind our services, allow the tetherless Explorer robots to inspect long distances with no disruption of gas service. The Explorer’s magnetic flux leakage (MFL) capabilities inspect for metal loss while sensors provide data on dent and mechanical damage.
The demonstration occurred at Kayla Place and Jane Way off Brentwood Blvd.
Paul Burgarino of the Contra Costa Times has a great write up about the event and his lead in was pretty clever as he wrote, “Meet PG&E’s newest pipeline inspector. It’s about 12 feet long, weighs about 250 pounds, has cameras on both ends and is made of metal.”
It’s going to become a key tool,” said Jason King, a PG&E spokesman. “We’ve been searching across the country for cutting-edge technology to enhance the safety of our system.”
PG&E was prompted to upgrade its pipeline testing methods following public outrage over the Sept. 9, 2010, blast in San Bruno, which killed eight people, injured dozens of others and destroyed or damaged 108 homes.
An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board found that the blast was caused by a rupture in a pipe with a deficient seam weld that had gone undetected because PG&E had failed to conduct proper inspections.
“Our goal is to become the safest gas system in the country and, to that end, using (sic) the best practices and technology for each specific location,” King said.
Friday’s work, stationed in a residential neighborhood near Brentwood Boulevard and Sunset Road, measured 800 feet of transmission line where accessibility is difficult due to the pipe’s sharp bends and because it goes underneath Marsh Creek, King said.
