BLUE STEEL O.P.T.I.C.S.

Overline Pipe Topography Inspection & Coordinate Survey (O.P.T.I.C.S.)

OPTICS Data Collection System

Overline Pipe Topography Inspection & Coordinate Surveys (O.P.T.I.C.S.) is a complete system for proactive above-ground inspection of buried pipelines. Should the structure and subsurface attributes permit, the OPTICS system can collect multiple sources of Indirect Assessment (IA) data in a single pass. While a single pass is typically the preferred method, some conditions or characteristics exist where multiple passes are required to achieve the highest quality technical data to best meet project goals.

Blue Steel Integrity (BSI) offers a full suite of Indirect Assessment (IA) survey techniques, performed using our proprietary O.P.T.I.C.S. system, which is capable of collecting all of the following combined IA datasets in a single pipeline pass:

- - Cathodic Protection Close-Interval Potential Surveys (CP CIPS)
  - Depth-of-Cover (DOC) Surveys
  - AC Current Attenuation (ACCA) Surveys
  - AC Voltage Gradient (ACVG) Surveys
  - DC Voltage Gradient (DCVG) Surveys
  - GPS/GIS Positional or Mapping Surveys

The OPTICS Advantage

By integrating these assessments into one seamless process, the OPTICS system enhances data accuracy, reduces operational costs and aids in the decision-making process, ultimately improving pipeline safety and reducing the risk of failures. Although not all survey conditions are ideal for collecting all IA datasets in a single pass, when multiple passes are required, OPTICS utilizes state-of-the-art components and field operating software that results in the most accurate & reliable data available. Of course, no data is accurate & reliable without well trained & qualified technical field and data management personnel. Blue Steel has a team of Engineers and NACE/AMPP certified professionals at every level necessary to deliver the best product in the industry.

Blue Steel Integrity Inc.

Indirect Assessment Surveys

CP Close-Interval Potential Survey (CP CIPS):

The Blue Steel team collects Close-Interval-Survey data with an integrated RMS voltmeter. This system measures pipe-to-soil CP potentials in a continuous waveform, providing real-time, timestamped data for post-survey analysis.

AC Current Attenuation (ACCA) Surveys:

The measured & recorded pipeline depth and current data is used to calculate AC current attenuation (ACCA) values, which support the evaluation of coating condition along the pipeline. When used in conjunction with other IA data, ACCA data is used to supplement the analysis of pipeline coating condition. ACCA survey techniques can also be used to complete a coarse screen of the pipeline condition and identify specific sections for further inspection using ACVG survey, improving the overall efficiency of an assessment.

AC Voltage Gradient (ACVG) Surveys:

AC voltage gradient (ACVG) surveys are used to refine coating condition assessments in specific areas and identify coating holiday locations with pinpoint accuracy for further corrosion analysis and/or excavation and direct assessment (DA). On very long sections of pipeline, ACVG techniques can be used specifically on separate sections of pipeline where high ACCA values were identified, improving the overall efficiency of an assessment.

DC Voltage Gradient (DCVG) Surveys:

DC voltage gradient (DCVG) surveys are used to complement the other IA survey techniques and further refine pipeline coating and corrosion risk assessment. DCVG surveys can identify specific locations where coating holidays exist and provide information regarding the efficacy of the cathodic protection on the pipeline.

Pipeline Locating Services:

Blue Steel Integrity's services include 3rd-party pipeline/cable locating & sweeps for direct inspections, pre-excavation diligence and various other site activities that required 3rd-party locates prior to project commencement.

Pipeline Depth-of-Cover (DOC) Surveys:

For precise pipeline location and depth information, Blue Steel certified technicians use a high-performance pipeline locator/receiver, which determines the pipeline’s position, depth, and residual current at specific points, all of which will be recorded and tabulated during the survey.

Data Management and Reporting:

The crew lead performs daily QC and initial data processing on the collected survey data and delivers it to the assigned SME for further review. The final data post-processing and report generation is completed by Blue Steel Integrity’s Data Department, ensuring that all data is thoroughly analyzed and presented in a clear, actionable format. Our data experts process & analyze the field data, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with industry standards and our own quality management system.

Provided by:

WWW.BLUESTEELINTEGRITY.COM,