BIDI inspection of tanker unloading line with MFL UT Combo

Pipeline Description:

The pipeline connects a crude oil tank farm in India with a common pipeline end manifold (PLEM) on the seabed at a water depth of approx. 35 – 40 m. The PLEM is connected with flexible hoses to the single point mooring (SPM) from where the connection to tankers is made. The pipeline serves the import of crude oil. It extends over 9 km over land and 10 km into the sea. This tanker unloading system has never been inspected before. 

Why is it challenging?

There are no possibilities to install a pig trap at the PLEM on the seabed to perform a “standard” inspection from trap to trap using conventional uni-directional ILI tools. Further, the pipelines have several 3D/90° bends on the land section while passing under roads and through an industrial environment. 

Target of the inspection:

Determine the presence of internal and external metal loss by using the benefits of both technologies (MFL and UT). Additionally, finding geometric anomalies and other features that may affect the pipeline integrity. Also, determination of the pipeline route with an XYZ module.