Client: Liquid Pipeline Operator
Project:
Which ILI tool should I run?
Overview
A liquid pipeline operator has been evaluating the current ILI tool choices and planning for future inspection. As such, they have been evaluating the ways in which they may be able to reduce uncertainties in the inspection results. One method for doing this is evaluating the current threats and exploring alternative technologies which may be better suited to target this threat.
Frontline Integrity have supported the pipeline operator with future ILI tool selection to target current threats to the pipeline integrity, which the existing ILI tools used may not be suited for.
Location
South America
Challenges Faced by the Customer
- There are many technology choices for in-line inspection, and the “best” solution is not always immediately apparent.
- Additionally, there are geopolitical restrictions on some technologies, with inspection vendors not operating within some regions.
- Evaluating the key threat and targeting the technology towards this can provide valuable results, however the other threats which may exist within the pipeline cannot be forgotten about. It is important to holistically evaluate this.
The operator requested assistance from Frontline Integrity for support with the challenges above.
The Approach
Frontline Integrity have a vast knowledge base of current ILI tools on the market, particularly from some of the largest vendors in the world. Using this knowledge, we were able to map out all of the tool limitations of the ILI tools the pipeline operator is currently using and compare this with the known threats to the pipeline.
It was easy to identify a significant area of concern, which the pipeline operator had already been evaluating. With their current technology option, the anomalies which were driving the low remaining lives from the integrity assessments were associated with significant uncertainties surrounding their depth sizing.
The ultra-high resolution MFL tool, which was available from an inspection vendor, was described to specifically address this concern and may give further confidence in the results of future ILI campaigns. A review of the availability of the tools, the suitability for this pipeline and the cost associated with this technology was also undertaken, to provide the pipeline operator with all of the information available at the time.
Value Added
To target the current integrity threat which may be presenting over-conservatisms in the integrity assessments, the results of this assessment indicated a clear justification for running the ultra high resolution MFL tool in future inspection campaigns. However, it was also noted to the pipeline operator that this whilst this tool may perform significantly better with this current integrity threat, there may be some capabilities which are reduced based on the tool set up.
Additionally, there were concerns noted surrounding the availability of a suitable tool for the specific parameters of the pipeline which may require further discussions with ILI tool vendors.
All of this work gave the operator a much greater understanding of the applicability of the ILI tools, and ultimately allowed them to make a more informed decision which will drive improvements in their integrity management process.
