Ideal Energy Solutions Blog

A Safer & More Effective Way to Ensure ILI-Run Readiness

Written by Robert Callais | Jan 2, 2024 4:52:48 PM

Pipeline maintenance is a crucial aspect for ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of oil and gas. One key aspect of pipeline maintenance is ILI-run readiness, which involves preparing the pipeline for inspection using an in-line inspection (ILI) tool. In this article, we will explore the importance of ILI-run readiness and our game-changing pipeline remediation and flow assurance solutions and their effectiveness in ensuring ILI-run readiness. 

 

Understanding ILI-Run Readiness

In-line inspections (ILI) play a crucial role in identifying defects and anomalies in pipelines, ensuring the integrity and safety of the infrastructure. However, before conducting an ILI run, it is essential to ensure that the pipeline is in proper condition for inspection. This is where ILI-run readiness comes into play.
 
ILI-run readiness refers to the preparatory measures taken to ensure that the pipeline is ready for the ILI tool. It involves various factors such as pipeline cleaning, calibration checks, and proper tracking and verification of features and anomalies detected during previous inspections.
 

The Importance of ILI-Run Readiness

ILI-run readiness is of utmost importance as it directly impacts the accuracy and reliability of data collected during the inspection process. By ensuring that the pipeline is adequately prepared for the ILI tool, pipeline operators can obtain precise results and make informed decisions regarding necessary repairs or maintenance.
 
When a pipeline is not adequately prepared for an ILI run, it can lead to inaccurate data collection, false positives or negatives, and an increased risk of undetected defects. This can compromise the overall integrity of the pipeline and pose potential safety hazards.
 

Key Factors in Achieving ILI-Run Readiness

  1. Pipeline Cleaning: Before an ILI run, it is essential to clean the pipeline thoroughly. This involves removing any debris, sediment, or deposits that may obstruct the ILI tool's movement or hinder accurate data collection. Pipeline cleaning methods may include mechanical cleaning, chemical cleaning, or a combination of both.
  2. Calibration Checks: Calibration checks are crucial to ensure that the ILI tool is functioning correctly and providing accurate measurements. This involves verifying the accuracy of sensors, calibrating the tool according to industry standards, and conducting test runs to validate the tool's performance.
  3. Tracking and Verification: Proper tracking and verification of features and anomalies detected during previous inspections are essential for ILI-run readiness. This includes maintaining a comprehensive database of previous ILI results, tracking the status of identified defects, and verifying the effectiveness of previous repairs or maintenance activities.
 
By addressing these key factors, pipeline operators can maximize the effectiveness of the ILI tool and improve the overall integrity of the pipeline. ILI-run readiness ensures that accurate and reliable data is collected, enabling operators to prioritize necessary repairs, optimize maintenance activities, and enhance the long-term performance of the pipeline.

 

PipeRenew®, PigRenew®, & LamFlo®: A Winning Combination for ILI-Run Readiness

Ideal Energy Solutions, LLC provides a more thorough and complete method by pushing PipeRenew® and PigRenew® concurrently, then chasing them with LamFlo® to fully prepare the pipelines. The combination of these solutions provides a comprehensive approach to pipeline maintenance, removing all potential sources of blockage and preventing their formation in the future.
 
PigRenew® is a dissolvable chemical pig designed to dissolve paraffin wax blockages, ensuring uninterrupted pipeline operations while leaving a micro-resistant film to prevent future deposits and acts as a corrosion inhibitor. This product is environmentally responsible and holds the Green Seal® Certification. One crucial element of the effectiveness of PigRenew® is its ability to monitor pipeline temperature and water availability, optimizing the likelihood of complete PigRenew® dissolution.
 
Ideal Energy Solutions, LLC recommends pushing PipeRenew® and PigRenew® concurrently, followed by LamFlo® to fully prepare pipelines. PipeRenew® and PigRenew® work together to remove any existing deposits, while LamFlo® acts as a preventative treatment inhibitor solution that breaks apart and suspends paraffin wax and asphaltene build-ups. This method ensures pipelines stay clean and function at an optimal level, reducing downtime and maximizing throughput.
 
In addition to regular maintenance, preliminary checks should also be done to ensure no large blockages exist before deploying PigRenew®. Regular maintenance schedules should be implemented to uphold pipeline integrity. Being proactive with your pipeline maintenance is essential to securing your pipeline’s long-term sustainability.
 
Pipeline operators face daunting, expensive challenges, from paraffin wax build-up to corrosion issues, leading to significant downtime and safety concerns. Our three-part solution—PipeRenew®, PigRenew®, and LamFlo®—effectively pre-empt and address these problems. These solutions, when used collectively, not only remove existing deposits for optimal flow and accurate ILI inspections, but also prevent future build-ups. By adopting the Ideal Energy Solutions LLC pipeline remediation and flow assurance solutions, operators can avoid costly downtime and base decisions on accurate ILI inspection results.