Geometry Profiling in Gas Pipelines Using Pressure Wave Analysis

Pipeline flow assurance can be challenging because restrictions ranging from minor deposit buildup to full blockages can limit or prevent production. To help ensure a pipeline remains in an optimal operational state, it is necessary to understand its contents so that any deposit buildup can be managed and maintained efficiently and cost effectively using methods such as routine pigging, chemical injection, or cleaning campaigns. Current methods for deposit assessment are limited to measuring small sections of the pipeline, intrusive methods, or theoretical modeling. The methodology discussed is a proven, nonintrusive technology that enables operators to review deposit buildup using a safe and cost-effective method without stopping production, risking inserting tools, or investing in costly onshore excavations or offshore vessel-based intervention campaigns, thereby maximizing production uptime and throughput quickly and safely with a repeatable and verifiable high level of accuracy.