Resolving Challenging Complexity of UnPiggable Pipelines Through Innovation

Abstract ADMA-OPCO subsea flare lines are unpiggable and exceeded the design life. These lines have never been internally inspected. To use conventional pigging and IP method of inspection on these unpiggable flare lines is high risk operations and will require long duration of pipeline shutdown. By utilizing the new MTM technology in combination with verification technique like AUT, inspection of such pipelines are made possible, making risk management on such pipelines a reality. This technichue avoid production loss, no issues of stuck pig and modifications when performing the inspection. MTM detects magnetic anomalies caused by mechanically stressed area on a pipeline from external survey. MTM device is attached to ROV and swim along the pipeline and collects magnetic anomalies readings; the critical locations can be detected and verified by AUT on the spot (or later). It detects metal losses and other overstress anomalies such as dents and buckles. In combination with AUT survey and FFS/RLA, a comprehensive report is made to assess and ensuring safe operation of unpiggable piplines both subsea and underground.