Intero Integrity Services SEA was engaged to execute a turnkey solution for the cleaning and in-line inspection (ILI) of a 12-inch, 4.98-kilometer onshore stabilized crude oil pipeline. The scope encompassed progressive cleaning, setup of a dedicated pumping spread, and deployment of Intero’s Pipe Surveyor ultrasonic inspection tool.

The pipeline presented several challenges: it had never been previously inspected, exhibited internal diameter (ID) restrictions as indicated by a prior gauging run, operated under low-pressure conditions due to system design, and suffered from significant cleanliness issues. Historical data showed over 10 tonnes of hard scale, sand, and wax were removed during earlier cleaning attempts. Furthermore, a gauge pig had previously become stuck and required retrieval via reverse flow. A gauging run identified an ID reduction of approximately 265 mm, necessitating a tailored approach for both cleaning and inspection.

To address these issues, Intero proposed a modified 10”-12” multi-diameter Pipe Surveyor tool, customized to accommodate the pipeline’s condition. The most critical phase of the project was pre-inspection cleaning. Recognizing the volume and type of debris previously encountered, Intero developed a strategic progressive cleaning program aimed at restoring pipeline integrity and ensuring readiness for ILI.

The cleaning program included using descaling pigs to dislodged hardened deposits, heavy duty foam pigs with wire brushes for aggressive cleaning and plough pigs to effectively push out residual debris. This comprehensive cleaning strategy successfully restored pipeline cleanliness , enabling a high quality ILI run with reliable data acquisition.