page_title: Robotic non-destructive testing
section_title: Laser profilometry
hierarchical_section_title: Robotic non-destructive testing / Inspection technologies / Laser profilometry
caption_attribution_description: English: A laser profilometry image of a corrosion pit discovered during robotic NDT operations.
context_page_description: Robotic non-destructive testing is a method of inspection used to assess the structural integrity of petroleum, natural gas, and water installations. Crawler-based robotic tools are commonly used for in-line inspection applications in pipelines that cannot be inspected using traditional intelligent pigging tools.
  Robotic NDT tools can also be used for mandatory inspections in inhospitable areas to minimize danger to human inspectors, as these tools are operated remotely by a trained technician or NDT analyst. These systems transmit data and commands via either a wire or wirelessly.
context_section_description: Main article – surface metrology
  Laser profilometers project a shape onto the object surface. Technicians configure the laser (both angle of incidence and distance from the object) to ensure the shape is uniform on normal metal. Superficial anomalies (e.g., pitting corrosion, dents) distort the shape, allowing the inspection technicians to measure the anomalies using proprietary software programs. Photographs of these laser distortions provide visual evidence that improves the data analysis process and contributes to structural integrity efforts.
caption: Laser profilometry assessment of the pipe wall corrosion pit shown in the previous image.
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