Pipeline Services

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Pipeline Services Maximising production and therefore profit is the goal in any process. Optimising flow and minimising corrosion is the challenge for many subsea operators.

Knowledge of pipeline contents is, therefore, key to a successful operation. Deposits, in their many forms, are an issue for the majority of pipeline operators and the process of removal can be time consuming. Therefore make critical decisions based on fact through real time measurements.

Tracerco's Pipeline Services provide such real time measurements. Our suite of pig tracking systems can provide fast, reliable effective and accurate Subsea pig tracking, and hence control of pig positioning and pig location. A stuck or 'lost' pig or tool can lead to significant financial losses for pipeline operators. Rapid pig location and effective pig tracking systems ensure that time is saved in locating any lost or stuck pigs.

Our technologies are applicable to the full pipeline life cycle:

Pre-Commissioning
Commissioning
Inspection
Operational
Maintenance and Repair
Abandonment
Decommissioning

As a world leading innovator of specialist detection systems, Tracerco has made a number of strategic improvements to enhance its reliability, lifetime and versatility so that we can provide an even better service to our customers and users.

Our Pig Tracking technology is fitted with seabed to surface wireless communication, our tracking systems ensure real time data collection and optimised use of ROV's and divers. With proven reliability, our pig tracking systems can be deployed throughout the full life cycle of a pipeline. Accurate pig tracking is necessary from pre-commissioning through operational requirements to de-commissioning. During activities such as tool isolation and positioning (accurate to +/- 5cm), flooding, cleaning, gauging or dewatering, inline or MFL inspection in steel, rigid or pipe in pipe systems or within buried pipelines you can be secure in the knowledge the location of the pig or tool is known. Accurate and reliable pig tracking can also be applied to foam pigs as part of a pipeline cleaning testing run.

For pipeline inspection, it is critical that our technologies can be deployed efficiently and provides key information quickly and reliably on wall thickness and pipeline contents such as deposits and hydrates.

A summary of the technology applications is shown below:

Pig Tracking Systems	Pig Tracking Operations	Pipeline Inspection
Provide 100% accurate, safe, reliable pig tracking Wireless communication Isotope doesn't turn off! Safe radiation handling No marine growth removal Burial depth, 0.5m 3000m - Deep Water rated Accurate positioning +/- 5cm Ultra reliable Excellent safety record No harm to the environment Long battery life	Launch and Recovery Transit through valves Positioning Monitoring at Location During cleaning operations Subsea burial With Subsea wireless communications In zone 1 areas with ATEX approved equipment General diameter: 50-3000mm Wall thickness: <80mm	Waxes Hydrates Scales Sand Sludges Powders Oil/Water Interfaces Pigs Plugs Inspection tools Grout Steel Wall Thickness
Pig types	Pipeline Specifications	Technical Limitations
Foam Gel Metal bodied General BIDI Inspection Plug Isolation Cleaning/Gauging Batching MFL Polyurethane Magnetic	Carbon Steel (single wall) Carbon Steel (PIP) Concrete coated Polyurethane coated Flexible pipelines Umbilicals	Density: 0-3g/cc Accuracy: +/- 50mm Diameter: 50mm -3000mm Wall Thickness: Up to 50mm

The strength of the radioactive source required for each project will be calculated prior to shipment and is dependent on the diameter and wall thickness of the pipeline. In the majority of cases, the strength of the isotope will be such that the dose rate once loaded is less than that required for all personnel within the work area to be classified. For subsea pipelines, the strength of the radioisotope is increased due to attenuation of the radiation intensity from the sea and seabed.

Licences are required to transport and use radioactive materials. We will ensure that all licensing requirements are in place for work onsite - complete project management.

Our engineers are fully trained as Radiation Protection Supervisors and our own Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA's) ensure compliance with all rules and regulations with national and international legislation.

The GammaTrac is a vital component in the success of accurate and reliable pig tracking operations, eliminating the risk and costs involved with additional recovery and project delays. Our industry comparison studies show that use of the GammaTrac combined with ultra low strength isotopes is the most accurate and reliable system available within the industry.

Our technology enables fast, effective and complete control of subsea pig tracking, positioning and location. A stuck or lost pig or tool within a pipeline can have significant associated costs. Our rapid location and tracking devices ensure that significant time is saved in locating any lost or stuck items. With proven reliability, Tracerco's tracking systems can be used within the full life cycle of a pipelinelife, from commissioning through operation to decommissioning.s

Standard Unit: Rated to 3000m water depth, comprising our high specification radiation detection equipment for the detection of pigs with ultra low levels of radiation, the GammaTrac unit is the best in class. Designed to only detect radiation, i.e. not influenced by other external factors, you can have complete confidence in tracking, locating or monitoring pigs. With 5 distinct and easily changeable modes, the unit will fit a wide range of uses, both subsea, topsides and on land.

Subsea Wireless Communication Unit: As above with wireless communication technology. Save time and money by tracking pigs remotely. Two depth versions are available.

ATEX Unit: The GammaTrac is suitable for surface use in Zones 1 and 2 for gas groups IIA, IIB, IIC with a temperature range of -20°C to +50°C.

Tracerco's unique technology has been designed to help our clients increase production rates, lower costs and reduce the impact on the environment:

Provides100% accurate, safe, reliable pig tracking
Wireless communication
No marine growth removal
Track pigs with a burial depth, 0.5m
3000m - Deep Water rated
Accurate positioning +/- 5cm
No harm to the environment
Long battery life
ROV or Diver deployable
Save time with insight onsite
Isotope - doesn't turn off!
Safe radiation handling
Ultra reliable
Excellent safety record


Best in class	Simple deployment	Pipeline content analysis	Complete data clarity

Low level radioisotopes	Global experience and knowledge sharing	Fast mobilisation through global operations	First class customer satisfaction and feedback.

Q: How many years experience does Tracerco have?
A: Tracerco has over 50 years global operational experience in tracking pigs at depths up to 3000m.

Q: What is your track record working with major companies?
A: We have preferred supplier status with many operators. We also work with all Inspection or Pipeline Contractors.

Q: Where in the world do we operate?
A: Our experience list incorporates global locations, country specific examples can be provided.

Q: How long is the battery life of the unit?
A: Approximately 1000 hours of continuous use. However, the wireless units can be placed in sleep mode to prolong battery life.

Q: How reliable is the GammaTrac unit?
A: 100% reliable. There are no external influences that can affect or produce false readings. The sensitive detector does not detect anything other than radiation.

Q: We have a pig already stuck in our pipeline, can you find it?
A: Yes. Tracerco's inspection techniques can inspect the line to locate the pig.

Q: Once you have found it, can you assist with its recovery?
A: Yes. Tracerco's isotopes can be attached to another pig to assist removal operations. The addition of an isotope combined with accurate tracking ensures a fast and efficient recovery of both pigs. In exceptional circumstances, where both pigs are stuck, the addition of an isotope significantly increases the speed of location.

Q: My pipeline has partially buried sections; can you accurately track the pigs?
A: Yes. There is no limit to the number of GammaTrac units that can be deployed subsea. Placing a unit before and after each buried section of pipeline ensures that should the pig get stuck, its location can be confirmed accurately between two positions. This will significantly reduce the time required for location and recovery.

Q: How much radiation do you receive whilst carrying out an inspection?
A: As our sources are optimised for the work-scope, we receive about the equivalent dose of a hand x-ray.

Q: How do we work with Radiation?
A: All aspects of working with Radiation are covered by our procedures, method statements, risk assessments and is professionally managed by our project managers, engineers and logistical staff.

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