Operational Pipeline Pigging

ANNUAL SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION on Wednesday 20th November 2024
1/2 DAY TUTORIALS on Tuesday 19th November 2024

Presented by
PIGGING PRODUCTS & SERVICES ASSOCIATION

Tuesday 19th November 2024

1/2 day tutorials
Pigging Emerging Professionals PEP Talks
(More details to follow soon...)
Free entry to Exhibition from 4.30 pm

Wednesday 20th November 2024

Seminar Presentations and Exhibition
Seminar Registration from 8.15 am
Seminar Commences 8.50 am
Networking Drinks 5.00 pm
Scottish Ceilidh (Dinner and Dancing) 7.00pm

Ardoe House Hotel and Spa

South Deeside Road
Blairs
Aberdeen AB12 5YP
Scotland
UK

Map...
Tel: +44 1224 867 355
Website: https://www.ardoehousehotel.co.uk/

The Papers

The seminar presentations will be given by PPSA members, all experts in their own field.

An Early Bird delegate rate of £ 215 (+ VAT) for PPSA members and £ 295 (+ VAT) for non-members applies for payments made before 20th October.

After 20th October the price is £ 255 (+ VAT) for PPSA members and £ 335 (+ VAT) for non-members.

This year, operators can register for FREE entry before the Early Bird cutoff date. for more information.

Young Pipeline Professional (YPP) Members can attend for £ 95 (+ VAT). Visit the YPP Website to learn about YPP and how to become a member.

Presentations include:

Ormen Lange Pipeline Inspection – The climb to success
Presented by Ryan Fenwick, ROSEN Group and Andy Studman, Shell

Ormen Lange is a deep-water (850-1,100m) subsea tieback development off the coast of Norway which produces natural gas and transports it onshore to a processing plant at Nyhamna. Gas to the UK is exported via the 1166 km 42/44-inch Langeled pipeline to Easington in the UK. The development, which been in operation since 2007, consists of 18 wells with 4 subsea templates connected to a 240 km 30inch production pipeline in a looped configuration to enable round trip pigging using gas from Nyhamna. Ongoing risk-based integrity assessment determined in line inspection (ILI) by intelligent pig was due to verify the actual integrity status of the pipeline and was undertaken in Q3 2023.

Challenges included:

  • Significant deferment associated with shutting in production for pigging operations requiring flawless planning and execution.
  • Multiple key stakeholders requiring to be satisfied the activity was being properly planned and executed.
  • Very high amounts of solids expected due to a well sand screen failure which required to be removed prior to ILI.
  • Large elevation profile change (1100m) during pig transit to and from the subsea templates and Nyhamna terminal with associated liquid hold up.

Given the challenges, this called for an innovative and progressive approach with all parties working together . The campaign would first start with a high velocity flush of the pipeline using dry gas. This was followed by a Pipeline Innovations’ Pathfinder foam bodied caliper pig which would be deployed to confirm piggability of the pipeline and give information on any potential accumulation of debris.The concern was that a large ‘mound’ of debris could cause a stuck pig; significant amounts of bypass were added as mitigations. Given this concern a cautious iterative progressive pigging programme, was carefully selected. This included the novel use of the ROSEN active cleaning tool which utililises a combination of high differential pressure and the Venturi effect to emit a high velocity jet of product in and around and in front of the pig. Detailed and comprehensive flow assurance modelling for MEG dosage, liquid buildup inbetween runs and pig velocity were applied to all runs. This report demonstrates the approach which utilised a progressive pigging approach and close team collaboration culminating in the flawless proving, cleaning and inspection of the Ormen Lange pipeline.

ILI axial strain measurement – Sharing over 10 years of operational experience and technology advances for the future
Presented by Ian Murray, Baker Hughes

Pipeline systems experience a range of strain conditions along their length. These are either factored into the pipeline design as known operational strains or as strain resulting from additional external loadings that are potentially unknown during the design or construction phases. Detecting, monitoring, and understanding these additional strains in combination with operational strains are a key part of a pipeline integrity management program. Surveying with inertial mapping tools has been commonly used since the late 1980’s for accurate measurement of bending strain, which unfortunately only provides a part of the picture.

Development of the ILI axial strain measurement tool (AXISS™) was to fulfil pipeline operators’ need for axial strain measurement in combination with available bending strain information to enhance their geohazards risk management programs.

After an extended period of comprehensive field testing and validation, supported by a number of partner customers, Axial Strain Inline Inspection transitioned from a developmental to commercial service more than 10 years ago. Since then, over 25,000 kms (about 15,534.3 mi) of data has been collected with many high strain locations successfully identified and mitigated. And, while axial strain inspection is now established as a proven and important tool for a pipeline operator to assess geohazards and other strain related threats, that experience has provided key insights as to where the current technology strengths lie and of course where we need it to go next to provide the level of information truly needed to optimize our full understanding of strain in the assessment of pipeline threats.

This paper gives a detailed overview of some of those experiences discussed, examples of the applications of the technology, case studies and the types of strain events identified. Secondly, and importantly, this paper provides key insight into the latest developments of the technology that will address the remaining unmet needs of the geohazard and stress engineers tasked with establishing firstly a complete picture of pipeline strain condition and secondly allowing them to effectively optimize any mitigation measures or repair programs.

In-service robotic inspection of unpiggable natural gas pipelines at river crossings for which there are no existing launching / receiving capabilities
Presented by David Gian, Intero Integrity Services BV

With the critical role natural gas plays in our energy infrastructure, ensuring the integrity of these pipelines is paramount. This is especially true of river crossings for which External Corrosion Direct Assessment is not possible, In-Line Inspection (ILI) has not been previously possible, and line conditions are not known.

This paper explores the limitations of conventional methods such as manual diving, sonar survey, and traditional free-swimming ILI tools, highlighting their shortcomings in effectively assessing the condition of pipelines at river crossings. Moreover, this paper will emphasise the risks associated with not knowing the integrity condition of the pipeline which include potential leaks, ruptures, and environmental hazards. These risks are heightened at river crossings, where the consequences can be severe and far-reaching.

In response to these challenges and risks, the paper will explore advancements in inline robotic inspection technology which are able to be deployed into and recovered from in-service natural gas pipelines through hot taps installed on the line. This method of deployment avoids shutdowns and service interruptions, while allowing the pipeline operator the ability to gather multiple data sets (visual, deformation, and internal/external metal loss) as the line crosses the river.

The paper will then explore case studies and success stories where robotic inspection technologies have been implemented, showcasing their ability to enhance safety, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. By embracing these innovations, operators of natural gas pipelines can proactively monitor and maintain the integrity of their infrastructure at river crossings, ensuring efficient operations and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

De-inventory of a 8.5km un-piggable multi diameter methanol pipeline a using 40m3 slug of continuously pumped ice slurry
Presented by Steve Wheeler, WSG Energy Services

In order to begin decommissioning of a12Km Methanol pipeline, firstly the product had to be safely displaced to >99% water. The pipeline configuration is 2 x 6” twin parallel lines > 8” > 16” > 8” > 24” > 12” > 10” > 8” > 6”. Conventional flushing was it estimated may result in the loss of up to 80% of the product (line volume ~1000m3).

Methanol has a commodity spot price, which fluctuates daily (price 18/06/24) $357/m3 meaning up to ~$286K could be lost in the process. Also making for a significant amount of high hazard waste (methanol in water is still flammable to <20% concentration).

In order to mitigate these risks a 40 tonne slug of ice slurry was successfully injected into the line chased by water reducing the interface and increasing product recovery / optimizing waste disposal.

As a result the recovery of on spec product was 670m3 (67%) slightly off spec (still saleable product) was 22% (220m). with the rest of the methanol (11%) being dispersed in 320m3 of flush water.

This is to date the World’s largest single continuous delivery of ice slurry.

Precision placement and tight scheduling, innovative pipeline isolation plug deployment with multi-technology tracking solutions
Presented by Neil Mackay, STATS Group

A case study for a 14” In Line Isolation Plug, the first use of the technology on Equinor’s Gudrun Platform.

Working to a very tight schedule, STATS modified an existing design to mitigate the risks of precision pigging to the only available, short section of pipe . A controlled pigging operation was essential, and multi-technology tracking was deployed to verify the plugs’ location prior to setting.

The plug provided a fail-safe leak tight double block and monitor isolation, enabling the successful in-situ repair of an ESV during Gudrun’s summer shutdown, keeping the gas pipeline pressurised, saving time, cost and environmental benefits of reduced flaring.

Subsea chemical storage and pumping in support of 42” pipeline cleaning and inline inspection
Presented by Iain Shepherd, Halliburton

The paper details the development and application of a subsea chemical storage and pumping system required as part of an inline inspection (ILI) operation on a 42” x 890 km gas export pipeline.

The system incorporates subsea storage for 95,000 litres of Tri ethylene Glycol, high flow flushing pumps, high pressure test pump, flow and pressure monitoring, a data logging system, along with mechanical, hydraulic and data ROV interfaces.

The inline inspection requires the installation of a 42” temporary PLR to facilitate launching of a cleaning pig and intelligent Magnetic Flux (MFL) pig from the subsea pipeline manifold to the onshore Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant.

The subsea chemical storage and pumping system removed the need for a subsea downline connecting the support vessel to the high-pressure gas pipeline and enabled large volumes of chemicals to be injected into the pipeline with no risk of gas flow back to the vessel.

Review of lessons learned from 10 years of ultrasonic inspections in gas pipelines
Presented by Willem Vos, NDT Global

In the early 2000's, the research group in DNV (Norway) developed an ILI technology for the inspection of dry gas pipelines (without using a liquid batch). The technology has subsequently been used to inspect over 10,000 miles of operational gas and liquid pipelines around the world.

The authors are presenting a review of lessons learned during the deployment of this innovative technology and reflecting on the advantages and limitations. A summary is presented of validation work completed through pull testing. Field validation is also considered and presented.

Several different use cases are considered; the first being the deployment of acoustic resonance ILI for the baseline inspection of new construction gas pipelines. In particular, a series of newly constructed long-distance gas transmission pipelines that have been inspected using acoustic resonance ILI.

Further, the tools have shown remarkable flexibility in the field of difficult-to-inspect pipelines. Notably, large diameter variations and bidirectional inspections have been performed, as well as very long gas pipeline inspections. Influence of wax on the inspection data is reviewed.

A summary of completed work will be of value to all offshore pipeline operators of challenging pipelines, demonstrating challenging pipeline inspection projects which have been completed successfully.

The challenges of MFL/Deformation/IMU ILI for small-diameter, difficult-to-inspect pipelines
Presented by Mark Briell, KMAX Inspection LLC

Despite advancements in ILI technology over the last half century, inspecting small diameter pipelines utilizing ILI tools continues to be a challenge.

Most small diameter pipelines were designed and built without consideration for ILI tool passage. Even so, those that were, may have fittings installed or have operational conditions that do not allow for an ILI tool to navigate the pipeline.

Regardless of developments such as microprocessor computational power, memory density, sensor technology, engineering design, modelling software and rare earth magnetics, applying these advancements in small-diameter ILI tools remains a challenge largely due to space constraints. As a result, many small diameter pipelines have been labeled as ‘unpiggable’.

This paper will describe the design parameters used to develop a new system to overcome the challenges and present several case studies showing real-world applications of this new system.

In-Line Inspection of unpiggable City Gas Distribution Pipelines: A Low-Risk Approach
Presented by Chinedu Oragwu, Quest Integrity

A collaborative effort between Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) and a technology provider addressed the challenge of inspecting six unpiggable city gas pipelines (13-20 years old) in their network. The pipelines lacked prior cleaning or inspection history and presented inspection challenges due to their design features (multiple bends, unbarred tees, diameter changes). These features prevented the use of traditional ILI methods.

A thorough evaluation identified a new generation of compact, lightweight, and highly collapsible (30%) smart ultrasonic (UT) ILI technology as the optimal solution for navigating the pipelines' challenging geometries.

Following comprehensive cleaning for each pipeline, the hand-launched smart UT ILI tool achieved first-run success, acquiring high-quality internal radius and wall thickness data. The effectiveness of the cleaning program and the tool's ease of deployment minimized campaign risk.

The successful ILI campaign provided SNG with valuable pipeline integrity data, ensuring regulatory compliance and safe future operation. This paper explores the challenges, the innovative ILI solution, the results, and the importance of advanced technologies in enabling safe and routine inspection of previously un inspectable pipelines.

LTS Futures: Preparing for repurposing a pipeline to Hydrogen
Presented by Gemma Simpson, Max Koronka, Gary Senior, Andrew Cosham, SGN

In March 2022 the LTS Futures project was awarded £30 million of funding from Ofgem to improve the understanding of the ability to repurpose the existing local transmission system to convey hydrogen and produce a blueprint of demonstrating how this can be done.

The project includes a comprehensive program of small-scale and full-scale testing considering material compatibility, defects, fatigue and operational activities. The small and full-scale testing has been used to develop and demonstrate safe methods of making new connections including live welding and hot tapping. Fatigue testing of the new connections has been completed.

A live trial will also be carried out where 30 km of existing LTS pipeline will be repurposed to hydrogen. This paper discusses the preparatory works that have been completed to demonstrate the suitability of the pipeline for repurposing and contribute to ensuring the safety of the live trial, including surveys, review of the condition of the pipe coating, review of CP systems, gauge pigging, with and without a PDL, and hydrotesting.

Tutorial

The seminar tutorials will be given by our experienced PPSA members.

Lunch will be 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

The price to attend a tutorial is £ 150 (+ VAT) per person.

The tutorials are:

Integrity Management of anthropogenic CO2 pipelines in a low-carbon economy
Presented by Daniel Sandana, ROSEN Group
Time: 9am to 12.30pm

Since the COP 21 Paris Climate Conference in 2015, there have been strong incentives from global governments to tackle climate change and to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy. Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is one prominent technology solution to achieve deep industrial decarbonization and reduce atmospheric CO2 emissions. It is “increasingly well placed to make a significant and necessary contribution to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.” Aimed at practicing professionals, as well as a students, this tutorial will focus on the current economical landscape of CCUS, and the key considerations and challenges to integrate when addressing efficient and safe transportation of CO2 by pipelines. The impact of impurities (anthropogenic CO2) will be an important focus.

The workshop will address the following items:

  • Current role of CCUS in the energy transition, and economic landscape, highlighting CO2 transportation pipeline current infrastructure / ongoing projects with an emphasis on CO2 source ‘pure’ vs anthropogenic
  • Impurities in CO2 stream vs sources
  • Diagram of CO2, and properties. Impact of impurities – what does it mean for operations
  • Key Integrity threats in CO2 pipelines and impact of impurities, with the emphasis on the following. Considerations of ongoing learnings from research and gaps, applicable codes, will be highlighted:
    • Summary of potential chemical reactions between impurities for the formation of a separate acid phase in dense CO2
    • Internal corrosion
    • Time-dependant crack threats
    • Fracture control
    • Integrity experience and incidents– what does it tell us?
  • Integrity management
    • CO2 Specifications – aim, challenges, project examples
    • In-Line inspections in dense CO2: key considerations
    • “Change of service” (repurposing) considerations

Introduction to Pigging
For people who are new to the Pigging / Pipeline Industry, YPP members and University students
Presented by PPSA members
Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm

Pre-Seminar Reception

An afternoon / evening reception will be held in the exhibition area on the Tuesday before the seminar, 4.30pm until 7pm.

Free entry – includes a drink at the bar and canapes, teas and coffees.

This is open to non-seminar attendees. Invite your customers to visit the exhibition stands.

Post-Seminar Dinner

A post-seminar dinner featuring a traditional Scottish Ceilidh will take place on the Wednesday after the seminar.

Guests and partners are also invited.

The price is £ 55 (+ VAT) per person.

Exhibition

PPSA members can book exhibition space for £ 300 (+ VAT). This includes a 100 word company description published in the delegate pack and on the website.

The exhibition is a great opportunity to network and find out about what's new in the industry.

This year exhibitors can invite clients and prospects to visit the exhibition free of charge on Tuesday 4.30pm to 7pm.

Seminar delegates can visit the exhibition during the seminar breaks.

The layout of the exhibition area and list of exhibitors is available here.

Prices

  • Each Tutorial - £ 150 (+ VAT) per delegate includes lunch
  • Pre-seminar social networking - free of charge
  • Post-seminar dinner with traditional Scottish Ceilidh - £ 55 (+ VAT) per person or guest
  • Seminar:
      Before 20th October*After 20th October
      OperatorsFREE - Registration required£ 95 (+ VAT)
      PPSA Member rate£ 215 (+ VAT)*£ 255 (+ VAT)
      Non Member rate£ 295 (+ VAT)*£ 335 (+ VAT)
      YPP Member rate£ 95 (+ VAT)£ 95 (+ VAT)
  • Exhibition space (PPSA members only) - £ 300 (+ VAT).

All payments must be made by credit card at time of booking.

* Early bird bookings before 20th October.
YPP Member rate subject to availability.

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Registering

To Register:
    Register on-line by clicking the "Register Now" button below.

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Booking conditions (the small print):

  1. Payment must be made at least 14 days prior to the seminar (6th November 2024). After this date reserved places may be sold to other delegates wishing to attend. Bookings made after 6th November 2024 must be made by credit card.
  2. Cancellations for any of the events made in writing and received 16 or more working days prior to the event will be refunded less a £ 30 handling fee.
  3. Cancellations for any of the events received 15 working days or less prior to the event will not be refunded, and the full invoice fee will be payable regardless of whether you attend the event or not. Substitutions may be made at any time.
  4. Confirmation of your booking will be made in writing as soon as possible upon receipt of payment. This confirmation will be sent to the address given on the booking form, unless otherwise required.
  5. Once completed and submitted, this form is regarded thereafter as a form of contract.

Have a Question?

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