Tracerco, a part of FTSE100 Johnson Matthey Plc, has launched a new product that enables oil companies to quickly scan pipeline to detect the location of deposits causing flow assurance issues.
The technology, known as Explorer™, is able to screen subsea pipelines for content and deposit build-up at typical speeds of up to 100 meters per hour, meaning many kilometers of pipeline can be surveyed per day, the company explained.
Lee Robins , Head of Subsea Services at Tracerco, said: “Accurately detecting the location of blockages caused by a build-up of deposits is an on-going issue for the oil industry. Having listened to the needs of our customers, we are delighted to be able to launch Explorer™ – a speedy and innovative low-risk solution.
“ Tracerco is now able to provide subsea operators with a fast screening means of locating their pipeline deposits and blockages, Explorer™ – followed by precision characterisation using Discovery™.”
Explorer™ can operate at depths of up to 3,000m (10,000ft) and can cover pipe diameters from 2 to 60 inches. It has the ability to screen a variety of different piping systems: standard rigid pipe (coated or uncoated), pipe-in-pipe, bundle systems and flexibles.
Explorer™ detects the location of deposit build-ups by measuring the density profile of the pipeline and then analysing any detected anomalies. An abnormal density, in relation to the material flowing in the line, indicates a build-up of deposit. It has already been used on several subsea flowlines including a project in the North Sea, as well as a campaign in the Gulf of Mexico.