CIGMA-x Transforms Gas Pipeline Integrity with Advanced Ultrasonic Inline Inspection
TYLER CAMPBELL, Editor-in-Chief, Pipeline & Gas Journal
In January 2026, NDT Global released CIGMA-x™, an advanced inline inspection technology designed specifically to meet the growing integrity challenges of gas pipeline networks globally. The launch represents the culmination of a full development cycle, a shared vision, technical collaboration and field validation with operators who played a fundamental role from concept to market reality.
CIGMA-x™ is an ultrasonic inspection device engineered to detect, identify and size cracks such as stress corrosion cracking in gas pipelines, a task that is well-known in the industry to have areas of opportunity for improvement. Similar to crack inspections in liquids, CIGMA-x™ enables highly accurate ultrasonic crack detection into natural gas environments without the need for liquid coupling. It uses Lamb wave ultrasonic testing technology for detection and signal processing and machine-learning-enhanced analysis to provide reliable, actionable data about a pipeline’s condition.
Throughout development, CIGMA-x™ was validated through laboratory testing, small- and full-scale gas test loops and commercial pipeline trials. Innovation partners provided critical operational insight, ensuring the technology delivers fit-for-purpose performance in natural gas environments while aligning with real-world operating and regulatory constraints.
CIGMA-x™ was developed in direct response to NDT Global operating partners' feedback calling for solutions with an increased level of reliability to improve the identification of stress corrosion cracking in gas pipelines. From early design to full-scale validation, their innovation partners shaped the technology’s performance requirements, operational readiness and regulatory alignment.
The technology integrates advanced sensors, dual measurement techniques (pulse echo and pitch and catch) and improved signal-to-noise performance, ensuring better detection and characterization of complex cracking. These innovations lead to fewer false positives and greater confidence in inspection results.
By reducing uncertainty and improving detection reliability, CIGMA-x™ supports better integrity decision-making for pipeline operators. This enables more targeted maintenance, improved risk assessment and safer pipeline operations.
The commercial release of CIGMA-x™ reflects NDT Global’s commitment to co-development and long-term operator partnership. It also reinforces the shared goal of enabling safer, more reliable and more cost-effective integrity management for gas pipelines worldwide. As regulatory frameworks evolve to demand stronger evidence of pipeline fitness and ongoing safety, tools like CIGMA-x™ will play a vital role.