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Tackling complex challenges with a dual-tool assembly

Published by , Editorial Assistant
World Pipelines,


Manuel Alonso and Hans Overdijkink, Intero Integrity Services B.V., Netherlands, present an innovative pipeline inspection technique for a challenging manifold inspection.

Tackling complex challenges with a dual-tool assembly

Intero Integrity Services B.V. was tasked with inspecting a 36 in. pipeline in 2023, which included a challenging manifold inspection. The challenge stemmed from a manifold featuring six large-diameter take-offs, posing a significant obstacle for standard bi-directional pigs and inspection tools.

To address this, Intero proposed a multistage project plan, including paper/digital feasibility assessment, proof of concept at Intero’s base in the Netherlands, and actual ultrasonic inspection of the pipeline including the manifold.

In August 2017, Intero conducted an ultrasonic inspection of a segment of the pipeline, stretching from the launching point to the manifold area. Initially, it was assumed that the inspection wouldn’t extend beyond this point, covering approximately 800 m. Nevertheless, this limited ultrasonic inspection yielded valuable data, offering essential insights for the client.

Recognising the significance of this data and looking ahead to the future, the client presented Intero with a challenge: to carry out an ultrasonic inspection of the entire pipeline during the next scheduled shutdown. With a commitment to excellence and the right team in place, along with the necessary investments, Intero took on the challenge, embarking on the design of the tool and operation.

The Pipeline Surveyor system employs a contact-free ultrasonic measuring head for maximum flexibility, capable of scanning the entire pipe wall surface. It can handle various pipeline features such as dual diameters, mitered bends, full-bore unbarred tee pieces, and single entry configurations using regular, high, and ultra-high resolutions. The Pipeline Surveyor is designed for inspecting ‘unpiggable’ or challenging pipelines ranging from 3 - 64 in., located anywhere in the world, from subsea offshore to remote areas.

The Pipeline Surveyor system employs a contact-free ultrasonic measuring head for maximum flexibility, capable of scanning the entire pipe wall surface. It can handle various pipeline features such as dual diameters, mitered bends, full-bore unbarred tee pieces, and single entry configurations using regular, high, and ultra-high resolutions. The Pipeline Surveyor is designed for inspecting ‘unpiggable’ or challenging pipelines ranging from 3 - 64 in., located anywhere in the world, from subsea offshore to remote areas.

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Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/special-reports/30102024/tackling-complex-challenges/

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