Inspecting and Improving the Integrity of High Restriction Pipelines

摘要

Pipeline In-line inspection (ILI) is a reliable and well -established technique to assess the integrity of pipelines. ILI requires an initial assessment of the pipeline condition and internal minimum passage before any ILI tool can be launched in a pipeline to ensure that the pipeline passage is suitable for the ILI. However, there are several factors and challenges that can prevent ILI in piggable and difficult to pi g pipelines, such as low flow, multi-diameter pipelines, tight bends, and pipelines with unknown restriction. This paper will go through a field experience, technical evaluation, and a success story of utilizing a Foam-based Eddy Current (EC) ILI tool to inspect a piggable pipeline where the ILI was not possible by conventional tools due to a major and unknown restriction in the internals of the pipeline. The tool successful deployment will allow for an accurate and reliable inspection and assessment of hig h restriction pipelines safely while eliminating the risk of stuck ILI tools. This opens a new window and opportunity for the revalidation and inspection of high restriction pipelines to maintain their integrity, reduce down time, and failures.