Keeping operations flowing smoothly
Flow assurance is at the core of offshore and subsea oil and gas operations. Ensuring uninterrupted transportation of hydrocarbons from reservoirs to processing facilities is a fundamental challenge, especially in deepwater environments where extreme pressures and temperatures can cause blockages. As the industry evolves, so too must our approach to diagnosing and preventing these issues.
Adapting to industry changes
The energy sector is shifting, with ageing assets, increasing regulatory pressures, and advancing technologies driving change. Rapid, accurate data collection is now more critical than ever to maintain operational success.
With wells becoming hotter and under higher pressure, our operations must adapt. This might mean adjusting chemical usage or improving monitoring techniques—but these decisions can only be made effectively if we have the right insights.
Additionally, companies are using longer subsea tiebacks to maximise recovery while reducing infrastructure costs. However, these longer runs present a heightened risk of blockages that could disrupt hydrocarbon flow, leading to increased downtime and costly remediation efforts.
Explorer™: Advancing flow assurance
Complementing Discovery™, Explorer™ offers a rapid screening solution for subsea pipelines, detecting the location of deposits causing flow assurance issues. Capable of scanning pipelines at speeds up to 100 metres per hour, Explorer™ enables operators to survey extensive pipeline sections efficiently. Once potential blockages are identified, Discovery™ can be deployed for detailed characterisation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the pipeline's condition.
Diagnosing blockages: real-world success stories
A recent example in the North Sea demonstrated the power of advanced diagnostics. An operator suspected a blockage in a six-inch flexible riser but needed precise information. After evaluating various inspection technologies, they turned to our non-intrusive Explorer™ screening tool.
By scanning through the pipeline coating, Explorer™ confirmed a full-bore blockage due to NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) scale. With this insight, the operator could move forward confidently, avoiding wasted resources on ineffective remediation attempts.
Similarly, in the Gulf of Mexico, an operator faced a blockage after a planned turnaround. Traditional remediation efforts failed, prompting them to deploy Explorer™ and Discovery™ to identify the issue. Within ten minutes, Discovery™ — subsea CT scanner provided more insight into the pipeline’s condition than two years’ worth of modelling. This case highlighted the immense value of gathering detailed data before problems escalate.
Tracerco’s Discovery™ tool deployed on a subsea pipeline during an inspection campaign.
The importance of a proactive approach
Historically, flow assurance has been reactive—addressing issues like hydrate formation and wax deposition only after they occur. However, a shift toward predictive maintenance is essential. Using advanced diagnostic tools, we can visualise pipeline conditions in real-time, identifying potential problems before they impact operations.
For example, Discovery™ provides proactive pipeline assessments, enabling operators to track deposits and flow restrictions over time. Establishing a baseline scan at the start of operations and conducting periodic follow-ups can prevent costly downtime and ensure efficiency.
The business case for predictive maintenance
Investing in predictive maintenance pays a significant return on investment. Blockages can arise from changing well dynamics, including variations in pressure and fluid composition. Addressing these issues early prevents prolonged downtime and financial losses.
Operators who have faced major blockages in the past now prioritise predictive maintenance because they’ve seen the cost implications firsthand. Proactively addressing potential problems can save millions while also improving safety and environmental compliance.
Additionally, non-intrusive inspection tools reduce risk by eliminating production downtime associated with pigging and the potential for an extended loss of production if a pig get stuck.
The future of flow assurance
To stay competitive, the oil and gas industry must embrace innovative technology and proactive strategies. Leveraging tools like Explorer™ and Discovery™ supports better decision-making, reduces environmental impact, and keeps hydrocarbons flowing efficiently.
At Tracerco, we help operators maintain flow assurance through reliable, non-intrusive subsea technologies and pipeline inspection tools that deliver actionable insights. As the industry evolves, we are committed to advancing the solutions that will power its future.
To explore how Discovery™ and Explorer™ technologies can enhance the performance and reliability of your subsea pipelines, we invite you to connect with our team. Reach out to us at tracerco@tracerco.com or visit our contact us page to find the Tracerco office nearest to you. Our experts are ready to provide tailored solutions to meet your specific operational needs.
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