Holistic Approach to Acquisition and Statistical Analysis of ILI Results

In this paper a holistic approach to defect assessment is developed. The main emphasis is put on issues of defect detection and characterization — discrimination, interpretation and sizing by comprehensive evaluation of data acquired from In-line inspection (ILI) tools. The role of human factor in the use of ILI technology is discussed. General characteristic of ILI as a measurement system is given, and basics of the holistic analysis of ILI are presented. Results of analysis of real ILI data and of Monte-Carlo simulation are addressed, including a new approach to planning and analyzing results of verification digs, and an assessment of the true values of defect parameters.