Enhancing subsea asset performance: How the Discovery™ CT scanner improves pipeline integrity and flow assurance

In the demanding realm of subsea oil and gas operations, maintaining pipeline integrity and ensuring optimal performance of pipelines is paramount. At Tracerco our innovative technologies, notably Discovery™ and Explorer™, have set new benchmarks in non-intrusive subsea pipeline inspection. We offer operators unparalleled insights into asset integrity and flow assurance, helping them make informed decisions about their operations without compromising production.

In this blog we discuss how Tracerco can help you gain insight into how operators are leveraging these technologies to their advantage.

Discovery™: Revolutionising subsea pipeline inspection

Discovery™ is the world's only field-proven subsea CT scanner, enabling offshore operators to swiftly identify pipeline integrity issues and obtain precise pipeline wall thickness measurements without pausing operations. Its non-intrusive design allows for inspections through various coatings and complex structures, including pipe-in-pipe systems. This capability ensures that pipelines remain undisturbed during assessments, maintaining continuous production.

Tracerco’s Discovery™ tool deployed on a subsea pipeline during an inspection campaign. The image above shows the non-intrusive CT scanner securely mounted to the pipeline, enabling high-resolution scanning without disrupting production. This setup allows operators to assess wall thickness and detect integrity issues in real time, even through complex pipeline structures.

Key benefits of Discovery™:

• Comprehensive integrity assessment: Discovery™ provides a 360º high-resolution scan of pipeline contents and wall thickness in real-time, detecting defects with a resolution of 1-2 mm. This precision enables operators to identify and address potential issues promptly.
• Operational efficiency: The tool's non-intrusive nature eliminates the need to remove pipeline coatings or interrupt operations, allowing for seamless integration into maintenance schedules and reducing downtime.
• Field-proven reliability: Since its first commercial scanning campaign in 2015, Discovery™ has completed over 2,000 scans across regions such as the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, and Arabian Gulf. It has received Lloyd’s Register recognition for its accuracy in detecting and sizing metal loss anomalies, underscoring its reliability in diverse offshore subsea environments.

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.

Real-world applications and operator insights

Operators worldwide have leveraged Discovery™ and Explorer™ to enhance pipeline performance and reliability. For instance, in the Gulf of Mexico, these technologies have been instrumental in identifying and characterising deposits within flowlines, allowing for targeted remediation efforts. In the North Sea, operators have utilised these technologies to assess subsea pipeline integrity comprehensively, leading to informed decisions on maintenance and life extension.

Common questions about subsea pipeline inspection

1. Flow assurance scans vs. integrity scans

   While both scans utilise the Discovery™ tool, flow assurance scans focus on identifying and characterising deposits within the pipeline, whereas integrity scans assess the structural integrity, including wall thickness and potential defects. The primary difference lies in the analysis and interpretation of the data collected during the scans.

2. Safety record and reliability

   Discovery™ boasts a remarkable uptime of over 99%, reflecting its reliability. Its non-intrusive design ensures that inspections are conducted safely without exposing personnel to hazardous conditions or compromising the pipeline's integrity.

3. Diverse applications

   Discovery™ has been deployed on various subsea pipelines, including those with thick coatings, complex geometries, and pipe-in-pipe configurations. Its versatility allows it to adapt to different pipeline designs and conditions.

4. Prompt Results Delivery

   The data collected by Discovery™ is processed in real-time, enabling operators to receive preliminary assessments immediately. Comprehensive reports are typically delivered shortly after the inspection, facilitating timely decision-making.

5. Inspection milestones

   To date, Discovery™ has inspected over 2,000 subsea pipelines. The deepest project undertaken involved operations at depths reaching 3,000 metres, demonstrating its capability in extreme subsea environments.

Why choose Tracerco's technologies for subsea asset integrity and flow assurance?

Tracerco's Discovery™ and Explorer™ represent leading-edge technical solutions that significantly enhance subsea asset performance and reliability. By providing detailed, non-intrusive inspections, these tools empower operators to make informed decisions, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of their subsea pipelines'  infrastructure.

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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