Additional Options for In-line Inspections
Managing varying diameter, limited access and high flow rates
Some pipelines present special challenges that also require special attention. For us, this means we offer additional service options alongside our conventional approaches. Our service options described here can be added to our in-line inspection to ensure maximum flexibility and specialization to suit all pipelines.
Your benefits of our additional in-line inspection service options
Maximize uptime
Meet safety standards and regulations
Increase efficiency of in-line inspection runs
Collapsible systems, cup designs and speed control to manage varying diameters
Varying internal diameter of a pipeline often means major cleaning and inspection challenges for the oil and gas industries. In response, we developed multi-diameter versions of our cleaning tools and for principal inspection technologies. These are capable of highly accurate inspection and thorough asset cleaning while being highly maneuverable and reliable, as they are operated and handled in a similar manner as conventional ILI tools.
Our collapsible sensor ring systems can be used to enable adjustment to different pipe conditions for specialized tools and to provide full sensor coverage. The pull unit features a special cup design to ensure maximum flexibility without losing any sealing effect, which means we are able to deliver the required pull force at all times during the passage of bends and installations such as taps, tees and Y-pieces.
In addition, pipeline operators often face varying differential pressure conditions due to different diameters and wall thicknesses in lines, which can result in uncontrolled tool acceleration and slowdown. That is why tools 12" in diameter and larger can be fitted with a speed control unit to stabilize tool velocity. All of our multi-diameter tools can be equipped with an XYZ mapping unit and cover a range from 6” to 48”, with a stroke of up to 12” (e.g. 30/42”) for larger sizes.
Managing pipelines with limited access
Pipelines with only one point of entry or without standard launching and receiving facilities need special care. That is why we provide high performance bidirectional capability by means of a unique sensor suspension system combined with a special propulsion sealing/venting disc setup. To receive the tool after inspection, bidirectional pumping and tethered operation have to take place.
Performing in-line inspections at high flow rates
In the past, flow rates had to be substantially reduced when operating in-line inspection tools, although many gas pipelines were operated at high flow rates for maximum throughput. In many cases, our Speed Control Technology allows an inspection at high flow rates while maintaining the necessary data quality. This is possible by reconciling the conflicting goals of the required moderate inspection velocity versus high throughput rates in daily operations by creating a controlled bypass of product through the inspection vehicle.
This product bypass is most efficiently controlled by an automated active valve system. To achieve smooth run conditions, the target tool velocity can be preset inside the tool electronics. During its journey through the pipeline, the inspection tool will then automatically adapt to changes in flow condition to maintain its preset velocity. Tools 12" diameter and larger can be fitted with such an automated variable speed control unit to stabilize tool velocity.
Each individual speed control unit for different pipeline sizes is designed using 3D finite element modeling to minimize unwanted turbulences and maximize differential flow, leading to a maximum difference between the tool velocity and the operational gas flow.