Novel Smart Multiparametric Sensor For Pipeline Inspection – Eni UK Success Story

Abstract As of today, pipelines represent the safest and the most reliable transportation solution for hydrocarbons, guaranteeing stable and replicable conditions through its whole length. However, pipeline maintenance represents a relevant cost in flow assurance in order to avoid production losses, assets damages and environmental damage. To avoid it, the detection and the localization of anomalies along the pipelines is fundamental. The integrity assessment of pipelines is expensive, invasive and not always applicable due to the harsh environment typical of pipelines, causing an increasing interest in smart and inexpensive devices for such applications. In this work we describe the performance of a novel small (45×35×24 mm) multiparametric device for pipeline inspection, which can be deployed directly into the conduct, either alone or bonded to cleaning or inspection pigs. It is equipped with long lasting battery (up to 72 h) and capable of wireless recharging and data management. The user can manage the system and collect data through dedicated software and mobile app, performing specific analysis on the data collected. The operational conditions which are suitable for the application of such device are pressure ranging from 1 to 150 bar, temperature ranging from -20 to 80°C, 3 axial accelerators ranging from 1g to 16g, 3 axial rotations ranging from 1 to 2000 dps, a sampling frequency settable from 1 to 200 Hz. The device has been enclosed in a special epoxy resin oil-proof, gas-proof and water-proof shell, capable to withstanding any kind of environment which is typical of a pipeline. It can also be equipped with an optional floating shell and thus free to flow inside the oil stream. In the end, the main benefits can be summarized in three keywords: low cost, low risk and high returns, making it ideal for large scale applications. Such device has been successfully tested in various pipeline and we’re reporting case studies, covering a total of 3500 km of pipeline in various geographic locations. We are reporting here a detailed case history of the successful application of the DeepSense device, part of ENI Technology's e-Splora™ portfolio, in an ENI UK gas pipeline. The data collected allowed for a significant optimization of the pipeline cleaning program, resulting in remarkable cost savings in pipeline maintenance activities.