[ASOC]

Exterior ultrasound and "smart" pigs using either ultrasound or in some cases, ionizing radiation.

The lines in question are sheathed, making conventional exterior based inspection difficult - or at least expensive.

Part of the problem is the real need to keep the oil warm so it will flow - it may start at 140F, but miles of -20F pipeline has a way of cooling the oil off fast.

While in Russia, I saw pipeline systems that burned some of the product to re-heat the oil for transport - and the system leaked like a sieve in many areas. Pretty nasty stuff. Of course it *was* a workers Paradise.

[PA Engineer]

While in Russia, I saw pipeline systems that burned some of the product to re-heat the oil for transport - and the system leaked like a sieve in many areas. Pretty nasty stuff. Of course it *was* a workers Paradise.

Funny. I Worked with an engineer who was an immigrant from Russia. He claims to this day that this was an OK approach even if only half the oil pumped is received by the refiners.