Types of Pipeline Defects

What types of pipeline defects are there?

Understanding the terminology related to pipeline defects is important for safety and maintenance purposes. Here is how these terms are related: An anomaly is any irregularity detected in the pipeline. Some anomalies are harmless imperfections, while others are flaws or defects that can weaken the pipe. A defect becomes critical when it poses an immediate risk of failure or operational disruption. This hierarchy helps prioritize inspections and repairs.1

Pipeline Anomaly
Pipeline Imperfection
Pipeline Defect
Critical Pipeline Defect
Pipeline Flaw

Any unusual characteristic or irregularity in the material or structure of the pipe. It is something that looks different than expected.1

A minor flaw that does not make the pipe unsafe or impair its function. It is a small blemish that does not affect performance.1

A flaw that weakens the pipe to such an extent that it could burst under stress below its safety limit. It is a damage that makes the pipe less stable than it should be.1

A serious flaw that could cause the pipeline to malfunction or fail under normal operating. This is an urgent problem that must be addressed immediately.1

A part of the pipe that does not meet engineering standards or specifications. It is something that is incorrectly designed or shaped.1

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Source reference

1 Introduction to In-Line Inspection - Defects and Loads, Beller & Reber, 2023.

Related terms

Look inside a rusted pipe.

Metal loss

Metal loss refers to the removal or thinning of material from the pipeline wall due to corrosion or mechanical damage, reducing its thickness and strength.
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White-grey image showing a form of pipeline cracking.

Cracking

Cracking refers to the formation of fractures in the material, typically caused by mechanical stress, environmental conditions, or interactions with other defects.
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Picture of a dent with metal loss leading to a leak.

Leak

A pipeline leak occurs when a defect completely penetrates the pipe wall, allowing the transported medium to escape.
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Close up of a dent in the surface of a pipeline.

Geometry defects

Pipeline geometry defects refer to deviations from the ideal circular shape of a pipeline that lead to pipeline deformation.
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