The Challenge

In this specific case, a Calgary-based client approached us because they noticed a decrease in diameter in the middle section of one of their pipelines. The project specifications included a river crossing inspection with an 8-inch diameter for 200 meters, where it then transitioned down to 6 inches for 300 meters and then back to 8 inches for a remaining 1,600 meters. The 8-inch sections of the line had previously been inspected. Due to this challenging multi-diameter feature in addition to the 6-inch portion having never been inspected before and providing very little information about the asset, the client contracted ROSEN to deliver a solution that would allow the entire pipeline to be inspected all at once.

Our Solution

Focusing on the individual needs of the customer, our local experts in Canada worked closely with the client to create a new pull unit design for the 6-inch tool. This new design allowed the tool to be both run through the 8-inch pipeline, and successfully inspect the 6-inch section by using the ROSEN wireline truck along with the 6- and 8-inch bi-directional tools. In conjunction with the 6-inch tool, the 8-inch tool was prepared to capture the data on the first 200 meters of the pipeline.

To execute the project, our team set up the wireline truck at the 8-inch riser of the pipeline, approximately 200 meters from a river crossing. To begin, we first ran a 6- and 8-inch dual diameter, bidirectional cleaning tool through the 6-inch section of the asset. This was an important step that ensured there was no debris that would obstruct or damage the smart tool. ROSEN then loaded the 6-inch MFL-A (Circumferential Magnetic Flux Leakage) tool into the pipeline and pumped it through the line using the wireline truck. The tool was run through the whole line and received with no issues; we were then able to run the 8-inch bidirectional through the first 200-meter section to complete the inspection of the entire line. Both runs were completed with no obstruction, 100% coverage and a consistent speed of 1.0 m/s resulting in a successful inspection.

ROSEN’s evaluation team combined the data sets from the two sections that the tools gathered during the inspection run and delivered a complete and effective report of the entirety of the line to the customer only seven short days later. By stitching the data of these sections and matching the welds together, the team was able to evaluate the data set as one whole pipeline and deliver a comprehensive report.
Thanks to the commitment of the whole team, we were able to develop a flexible multi-diameter solution for a difficult pipeline.

Your Benefit

Compliance
Complete data sets of the whole asset allowed for a full understanding of the pipeline condition and the ability to take measures for its integrity management. This ensures compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Minimized Risk Exposure
ROSEN’s bidirectional approach assures the tool can be removed from the pipeline at any time, hereby minimizing the operational risk and effectively guaranteeing operational safety.