Most regulatory regimes have no specific mandatory requirements for pipeline decommissioning or removal from service. However, other industry regulations, legislation, or international conventions may form the basis of the process applied to pipelines by regulators in considering the impact of pipeline decommissioning. Early engagement with regulators is therefore recommended to ensure the execution strategy is in line with their requirements.
The regulatory requirements in the country in which the pipeline is situated may define the standards that apply to that pipeline. The timing of the decommissioning of a facility/structure/pipeline/umbilical/cable is predominantly governed by the operator/asset and existing management plans/field development plans/pipeline management plans and production licenses.
All proposed decommissioning operations, be it mothballing or decommissioning parts or the whole of the field, must be in accordance with submitted and approved management and environment plans under the current legislative framework.
According to MarketsandMarkets, the Global Pipeline Market is poised to reach US$18.6 billion by 2027.
Maintenance
Offshore pipeline maintenance involves additional challenges due to the harsh marine environment and the presence of pipelines in conditions. Here are some key considerations:
- Inspection: underwater inspection techniques, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), are used to assess the condition of pipelines. ROVs capture visual data, perform non-destructive testing, and help identify issues like corrosion, seabed movement, or damage from anchor drag.
- Cathodic protection: like onshore pipelines, offshore pipelines are protected against corrosion using sacrificial anodes or impressed current systems. Regular monitoring and maintenance of these systems are crucial to mitigate corrosion risks.
- Repair and Intervention: in case of damage or leaks, specialized intervention techniques like pipeline clamps, connectors, or remotely operated repair systems are employed. ROVs or divers can be utilized to perform repairs and replacements.
- Integrity Management: offshore pipelines often have comprehensive integrity management systems in place. This includes assessing risks, developing maintenance strategies, and scheduling periodic inspections and maintenance activities based on the pipeline’s condition and environmental factors.
- Flow Assurance: offshore pipelines can face challenges related to flow assurance, including hydrate formation, wax deposition, or scale accumulation.
Inland and coastal pipeline maintenance
Inland pipeline maintenance involves the upkeep and repair of pipelines located in/near coastal waterways.
Here are some key activities:
- Inspection: regular inspections are conducted to identify potential issues such as corrosion, leaks, or structural damage. Inspection methods can include visual inspections, non-destructive testing (e.g., ultrasonic testing), and inline inspection tools (pigs) that travel through the pipeline to assess its condition.
- Corrosion protection: corrosion is a major concern for pipelines. Protective coatings and cathodic protection systems are applied to prevent corrosion and extend the pipeline’s lifespan. Coating integrity is periodically checked, and cathodic protection systems are monitored and maintained.
- Leak Detection: leak detection systems, including pressure monitoring, flow rate monitoring, and automated leak detection systems, are installed to promptly identify and respond to any leaks or spills.
- Pigging and cleaning: pipeline pigs are used for various purposes, including cleaning the pipeline interior, inspecting its condition, and removing debris or blockages that could hinder flow. Regular pigging helps maintain pipeline integrity and operational efficiency.
- Repair and maintenance: if any issues are detected during inspections or through leak detection systems, repairs are promptly carried out. This may involve patching leaks, replacing damaged sections, or reinforcing the pipeline with clamps or sleeves.
Pipeline maintenance, whether inland or offshore, aims to ensure the reliability, safety, and environmental integrity of the pipeline network. Adhering to regulatory standards, implementing proactive inspection programmes, and responding promptly to any issues are crucial to maintaining the operational efficiency and longevity of the pipelines.
Operator technology
It’s evident that robotic pipeline inspection is the future of oil and gas pipeline maintenance. As time has gone on, remote robotic technology has continued to develop at pace, and now advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and telecommunication systems have made inspection robots a viable alternative to traditional inspection techniques.
Today’s sophisticated machines, equipped with cameras, sensors, and manipulator arms, can access hard-to-reach areas with precision, accuracy, and without endangering human lives. Several types of remote robotic systems are used in offshore pipeline inspection.
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are self-propelled units that navigate the underwater terrain, capturing high-resolution images and collecting essential data along the way. Being autonomous, these can perform inspections efficiently without consistent human intervention, and artificial intelligence promises to make future inspection more accurate, efficient and thorough.
Another variant is remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which are tethered to a support vessel and controlled by skilled operators on board. These boast greater dexterity and can undertake complex tasks like valve manipulations, making them ideal for more intricate maintenance operations.
The adoption of remote robotic pipeline technology brings a multitude of advantages that redefine the efficiency and safety of offshore inspections. The most obvious advantage? Eliminating human divers eliminates human risk. It can significantly boost cost-efficiency too: human labour is logistically complex and expensive, and minimising this has clear cost savings.
While setting up these systems means initial expense, the technology will only get cheaper as time goes on, and remote robotic systems reduce expenses in the long run, offering an attractive return on investment.
Image: Revenue shift for offshore pipeline service providers.