TDW Completes Inline Inspection of North Sea Pipeline

T.D. Williamson (TDW), a global provider of pipeline services and equipment, has successfully completed the inline inspection (ILI) of a key North Sea pipeline on behalf of Perenco UK.

The operation was carried out on the 24-inch line that links the Trent Platform with the Bacton Terminal pipeline. TDW conducted this intelligent inspection and associated pipeline service operation as part of Perenco’s strategic program to ensure the integrity of its pipelines and assets.

All services under one roof

The pipeline inspection was carried out to comply with Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) obligations. Perenco selected TDW because of its ability to offer state-of-the-art inspection services, along with the full project management package, which included planning, preparation, and risk assessment.

“We are a solutions provider,” said Dean Ellis, Senior ILI Field Technician for TDW. “Our ability to offer the full range of services that Perenco required meant that we could create a custom solution, and carry out the kind of efficient and seamless operation that is only possible when all services are concentrated under one roof,” he added.

TDW responded by providing a Sales, Customer Services and Project Management team tasked with identifying and responding to Perenco’s precise needs. Following site visits, a comprehensive plan was devised, which included progressive pigging, KALIPER® 360 geometry inspection, 24-inch gas magnetic flux leakage (GMFL) inspection, ILI reporting, fitness-for-purpose, run comparison, corrosion growth analysis reports, and other services.

“We are very pleased with TDW’s ability to successfully deliver the total project, despite the challenges imposed upon them,” said Stephen Southgate,Integrity & Fabric Maintenance Superintendent for Perenco UK.“TDW’s data set on this pipeline, the professionalism with which they examined the lessons learned, and their ability to offer full project management services and ILI technical delivery created a framework for easier communication, and made for a quicker and more efficient solution,”he added.

 Operation goes to plan In spite of harsh weather conditions

In spite of working in high winds, driving rain, sleet and snow, the offshore phase, during which all site work was carried out, was completed in just 23 days. Support and equipment were supplied by the TDW operations and projects team based at the company’s facility in Swindon, England.

The ILI run – from launch to trap – was achieved in less than 21 hours. No metallic components were brought in, and only a small quantity of viscous black residue was produced. The gauge plate showed no signs of any deflection at any point around its circumference. The tool displaced approximately 100 tons of liquid from the line. Because benzene levels were high, the tool was left by the trap overnight to allow it to disperse. Upon further examination of the tool, the polyurethane components were found to be in a good condition with only a small amount of wear to the cups.  This integrity assurance is critical to Perenco UK and its partners.

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Press Release, July 11, 2012