SmartScan Deep Sea, a new multi-diameter in-line inspection (ILI) tool for deep-sea pipelines, uses the latest technology to help operators overcome key obstacles to expanding into previously inaccessible offshore fields.

Developed by GE’s PII Pipeline Solutions business, SmartScan DS is the first in-line inspection tool capable of navigating previously unpiggable pipelines. Located at depths of between 1,500 to 3,000 meters, deep-sea pipelines are built to withstand extremely high pressures. As a result, they typically feature thicker walls than regular pipelines and include multi-diameter segments that are “unpiggable” – meaning they cannot be inspected with traditional ILI tools.

In-line inspections are a primary method for identifying corrosion defects that could eventually lead to costly and environmentally harmful pipeline releases.

To provide operators with an ILI solution for the commissioning and inspecting of deep-sea pipelines, we developed SmartScan DS as part of our high-resolution Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) product portfolio.

Unique collapsible structure

SmartScan’s unique collapsible structure enables it to navigate multi-diameter lines. It also employs a number of novel components and subsystems, including highly sensitive sensors, pressure-proof electronics and magnetic circuitry.

“SmartScan DS is ideal for those areas in which deep-sea exploration and development will be concentrated over the next five to ten years,” said Claudi Santiago, President of GE’s Oil & Gas business. “Because many of these new offshore fields are too deep for traditional ILI tools, SmartScan DS will help operators protect their vital energy supplies as well as delicate marine ecosystems around the world.”

In-field testing

Successful tests of the SmartScan DS were conducted in Houston, Texas, as well as in Cramlington, England, our Centre of Excellence for MFL technology. More inspections are planned throughout the year.

For more information, please contact:

Jose Larios
joseg.larios@ge.com

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