Unpiggable MFL Robotic Inline Inspection

Advanced Pipe Explorer Robotics Technology Makes Every Pipeline Accessible


Self-propelled, remotely-controlled, and fully-articulated, Pipe Explorer goes where most cannot. With a minimal footprint, the ability to operate in active pipelines, and by collecting multipoint data in one pass, Pipe Explorer is the standard against which all others should be compared.

Our fleet of Pipe Explorer advanced robots are at the heart of the value we bring our customers. Fully-articulated and tetherless, Pipe Explorer provides comprehensive data that is comparable if not superior to more conventional pipeline inspection methods, enabling visual and non-destructive inspection with multipoint data collection of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines as well as liquid terminals, facilities, and stations regardless of the difficulty of the location or complexity of the pipeline.

How MFL Robotic Inspections Work

Throughout the inline inspection process, live video images of the pipeline and integrity data are streamed to both Intero and pipeline operators. These functions are performed without the need of a tether and without any interruption to local natural gas services. For liquid pipeline inspection, the pipes must be cleaned and emptied prior to inspection.

Step 1

hot tap fitting

Pipeline operator welds a hot tap fitting to the pipeline.

Step 2

launch tube secured to sandwich valve

Pipe Explorer launch tube is secured to an industry-standard sandwich valve.

Step 3

Explorer ILI launched

Intero operator launches Pipe Explorer into the pipeline, conducts the inspection, and retrieves the robot through the same hot tap (or a second hot tap if one is installed).

The Benefits of Choosing Pipe Explorer for In-Service Gas Pipeline Inspection

We Inspect Challenging Pipelines to Achieve Certainty and Reduce Risk

  • Conventionally “unpiggable”
  • No flow, low flow
  • No launcher or receiver

    We Keep Gas Pipelines In-Service During Inspection

    • Urban and congested areas
    • Industrial, “live” environments
    • Service cannot be interrupted

    We Provide Comprehensive Integrity Data for Decision Making

    • Multipoint data collection
    • Simultaneous collection
    • High-accuracy collection

    We Make Minimal Environmental Impact

    • Entrance/egress flexibility
    • Minimal excavation requirements
    • No need to dispose of waste water

    The Benefits of Choosing Pipe Explorer for Out of Service Liquid Pipeline Inspection

    We Inspect Challenging Pipelines to Achieve Certainty and Reduce Risk

    • Conventionally “unpiggable”
    • No flow, low flow
    • No launcher or receiver

    We Work Within Tight and Congested Terminals and Facilities

    • Congested areas
    • Multiple back-to-back bends

    We Provide Comprehensive Integrity Data for Decision Making

    • Multipoint data collection
    • Simultaneous collection
    • High-accuracy collection

    We Make Minimal Environmental Impact

    • Entrance/egress flexibility
    • Minimal excavation requirements
    • No need to dispose of waste water

    Our Track Record Gives You Peace of Mind

    Thirteen Years of Comprehensive Experience1200+ successful inspections
    Shortest inspection:60′
    Highest vertical drop:30′
    Lowest pipeline pressure:0 PSI
    Longest project:10 miles (16 km)
    Longest river crossing:2000' (600 m)
    Highest pipeline pressure:750 PSI

    Watch Our Overview Video for an Introduction of How Pipe Explorer Provides the Data You Need for Difficult-to-Inspect Pipelines

    Downloadable Materials for More Information on Inspections with Pipe Explorer

    Service brochure - Unpiggable MFL Robotic inline inspection

    When it comes to the inspection of your company’s pipelines, challenging infrastructure often forces tough choices. Compromising the quality of your inspection data shouldn’t be one of them. To meet the growing demand for richer data and more comprehensive inspections of challenging pipelines, we developed Pipe Explorer, a fleet of advanced inspection robots designed to tackle the most difficult pipelines no matter where they are found.

    Service brochure - Unpiggable MFL Robotic inline inspection

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 6

    Download it here.

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 6

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 8

    Download it here.

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 8

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 10-14

    Download it here.

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 10-14

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 16-18

    Download it here.

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 16-18

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 20-26

    Download it here.

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 20-26

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 30-36

    Download it here.

    Leaflet - Pipe Explorer 30-36

    Flyer - In-line Charing (ILC) for Pipe Explorer

    Download it here.

    Flyer - In-line Charing (ILC) for Pipe Explorer

    See features and specifications of Pipe Explorer on the Pipe Explorer Robots and Sensors Specifications page.

    Download form
    * Please fill out mandatory fields