IP Pipeline Technology marks milestone in High-Speed 42-inch gas pipeline project

By: Thom Wang and Daisy Huang

Recently, IP Pipeline Technology achieved a milestone by successfully wrapping up the on-site inspection work for the inaugural phase of the AGP inline inspection project it spearheaded. These pipelines, boasting a diameter of 42 inches, with wall thicknesses of 15.9mm, 19.1mm, 25.4mm, and 28.6mm.

Reliability and efficiency stand as the cornerstone principles of IP Pipeline Technology's service ethos. The initial phase of this inspection endeavor encompassed four comprehensive sections, spanning a combined length of 394 kilometers. IP Pipeline Technology engineers worked continuously with high intensity and quality, completing the on-site operations without interruption. Remarkably, they accomplished all tasks within a mere span of 20 days, exceeding client expectations and significantly truncating the overall project timeline.

Figure 1: MFL+TFI Launching site

This inline inspection project encompasses a total of 10 sections, covering an extensive distance of approximately 1310 kilometers. IP Pipeline Technology is poised to tackle the remaining six sections, accounting for a span of 916 kilometers, over the next two months.

Figure 2: Caliper launching site

The project faces two primary challenges:

1. High Velocity: With an average flow velocity of 8m/s, maintaining optimal detection performance becomes crucial. IP Pipeline Technology has addressed this challenge by implementing a speed controller on detectors. This innovative solution allows for real-time adjustments to the tool's operating speed, ensuring that the detector consistently operates within the optimal range of 4m/s. This meticulous control guarantees the attainment of the best detection results.

2. Long Inspection Distances: Each of the ten sections extends beyond 100 kilometers in length, posing a logistical hurdle. IP Pipeline Technology tackles this challenge head-on by leveraging high-performance, wear-resistant components like durable cups and probes. These components ensure that the inspection equipment functions normally within the pipeline for prolonged periods, enhancing reliability over extended inspection distances.

Upon the completion of each on-site inspection operation, IP Pipeline Technology promptly dispatches engineers to perform both preliminary and detailed inspections of the inspection equipment. Following the preliminary inspection, it has been confirmed that all 112 probes of the inspection equipment in each section are in optimal condition, with the data channels for inspection functioning seamlessly and ensuring clear data collection. The steel brushes and bowls exhibit typical wear, while the odometer wheel system and electronic components operate within normal parameters, with no anomalies detected.

Figure 3: Safety training

After a meticulous inspection, it has been determined that the average operating speed of the inspection equipment in each section is 3.9m/s. This represents a 50% reduction in the average operating speed of the equipment compared to the pipeline flow rate. Remarkably, this adjustment has not compromised the quality of the inspection data. Furthermore, the overall data collection volume for each section has reached 600GB.

Figure 4: Data screen shot

Building upon the on-site work conducted during the initial phase, IP Pipeline Technology has garnered commendation from the client for its adept on-site management capabilities and cutting-edge detection technology. Bolstered by this positive feedback, IP Pipeline Technology remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering high-quality inspection services throughout future execution endeavors. With unwavering confidence, the team is poised to flawlessly execute and conclude this inspection project with precision and excellence.

Figure 5: MFL+TFI tool launching