Maintaining offshore pipeline integrity
In the evolving world of offshore oil and gas, maintaining subsea pipeline integrity is not just important. It is essential for safety, efficiency, and long-term operational success. However, traditional pipeline inspection methods often struggle in the high-pressure, deepwater conditions typical of modern offshore fields.
Addressing subsea challenges head-on
Subsea assets face constant environmental and operational stress. From extreme temperatures and pressures to corrosion and ageing infrastructure, these challenges can lead to internal damage such as corrosion, wall thinning, and the accumulation of deposits.
Detecting these issues externally, especially through coatings and insulation, remains difficult. If left unresolved, these problems can lead to unplanned shutdowns, safety incidents, and high repair costs.
Many traditional subsea inspection techniques require shutdowns or the removal of insulation layers. These processes add unnecessary risk and cost. As subsea assets age and inspection windows shrink, operators need smarter, safer solutions.
Tracerco’s advanced approach
Tracerco’s innovative technologies, Discovery™ and Explorer™, are changing how the industry approaches pipeline inspection and flow assurance.
Discovery™ is the world’s first field-proven subsea CT scanner. It delivers high-resolution, non-intrusive inspection of pipeline internals and wall thickness, even through insulation and coatings. It helps operators get accurate, real-time data without interrupting operations.
Explorer™ complements Discovery™ by providing high-speed screening. It scans up to 100 metres per hour and identifies the precise location of flow restrictions, such as wax or hydrate build-up, that cause flow assurance issues. This allows for quick, targeted maintenance without costly guesswork.
Together, these tools offer a reliable and non-intrusive inspection solution. Operators can monitor their subsea assets, extend pipeline lifespan, and reduce risk.
Field-proven success worldwide
Across major offshore basins, Tracerco’s technologies have delivered consistent results. In the Gulf of Mexico, Discovery™ and Explorer™ helped operators accurately locate and characterise flowline deposits. This enabled effective cleaning and improved production. In the North Sea, these tools are used to assess pipeline condition and plan for life extension without the need for shutdowns.
Tracerco’s technologies are proven in challenging offshore environments and help companies maintain safe, continuous operations.
Tracerco’s technologies in use on a deepwater subsea pipeline.
The future of subsea inspection
Tracerco continues to drive innovation in subsea inspection. Discovery™ and Explorer™ are redefining expectations for pipeline inspection services by delivering detailed, actionable insights while keeping pipelines online.
As offshore projects go deeper and last longer, the need for dependable non-intrusive inspection tools grows. Tracerco supports the industry with advanced technologies that maintain integrity, minimise downtime, and optimise performance.
Tracerco: Measuring the Unmeasurable. Accessing the Inaccessible.
To learn how Discovery™ and Explorer™ technologies can help you plan preventative maintenance with confidence and extend pipeline lifespan beyond original design expectations using real-time data, download our whitepaper today.
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