Rapid Recovery Using Magnetic Surveying in Subsea Pipeline Operation
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Lee Galloway
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Lee Galloway
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Abstract

This case study details the successful deployment of a magnetic surveying system to locate a missing in-line inspection (ILI) tool during a pre-commissioning operation off the coast of Sicily. With traditional tracking methods unavailable due to depleted transmitter batteries, IK Trax proposed a magnetic solution that was rapidly mobilised and executed.

Mounted on an ROV, the system provided real-time magnetic field readings, enabling technicians to identify a magnetic hotspot and confirm the tool’s location through repeated scans - despite interference from surrounding subsea infrastructure. The operation avoided costly vessel delays and demonstrated the system’s effectiveness in complex environments.

This mobilisation highlighted the system's versatility and broader potential in subsea operations. It offers a reliable contingency method when transmitters fail, supports long-term pig tracking using permanent magnets, and provides real-time monitoring capabilities for identifying anomalies. The magnetic surveying system proved to be a valuable asset in complex environments, reinforcing its role in intelligent pipeline technology.

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