Pipeline leak detection visionary PipeSense has expanded its capabilities to support offshore operations following a successful project off the coast of Angola.
Working with a multinational oil and gas operator, PipeSense deployed PipeScan, its pressure-pulse technology, to locate obstructions in two offshore pipeline networks that export crude oil and natural gas globally.
The projects relied on PipeSense's team of experienced operators, engineers, and data scientists to monitor a 20-inch natural gas pipeline and a 16-inch offshore crude and multiphase pipeline that was flooded with seawater.
On the natural gas pipeline, PipeSense completed repeated pressure pulse testing to identify an obstruction approximately 11km downstream of the client's launch facility despite constraints.
For the second project, PipeSense installed instrumentation on both ends of the offshore crude and multiphase pipeline. Controlled pressure releases from both locations generated repeatable reflection signatures that identified the obstruction within approximately 700 m of the launcher, with a location accuracy of approximately ±30 m under field conditions. Josh Holmes, PipeSense's VP of business development, commented: "This project is a clear and concise demonstration that our approach to obstruction locating can provide a practical addition to the pipeline integrity toolkit for locating stuck pigs, hydrate plugs, debris and other flow restrictions across a wide range of offshore pipeline applications.
“Offshore and subsea pipeline operators undertake highly complex work every day to safely operate, maintain, and protect critical infrastructure in some of the world’s most challenging environments. This requires a continued focus on asset integrity, operational reliability, and the ability to identify and respond to changing pipeline conditions with confidence.”
PipeSense celebrates inaugural offshore technology deployment
