A major US operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… faced the challenge of connecting a deepwater oil export line to an existing 24"/28" multi-diameter oil export route in the US Gulf of Mexico. There was a strong desire to use a 16" export pipeline to reduce project installation costs. With these extreme conditions, piggingThe process of using devices called "pigs" to clean, inspect, or maintain pipelines. Pigs are cylindrical or disc-shaped devices that are inserted into the pipe… through varying geometries was considered impossible with any commercially available ILI tools. To successfully inspect the line would require a toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig. to reliably travel through the new 16" pipeline into an existing 24"/28" multi-diameter pipeline. Aside from unprecedented diameter variations, the system includes several challenging top-entry wye geometries. Overall, it was confirmed that a customized inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re… tool for this challenging pipeline systemAll portions of the physical facilities through which liquid or gas moves during transportation. This includes pipe, valves, and other appurtenances attached to… was required. 

• Specialized toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig. build: A highly customized ILI tool was designed, built and qualified to overcome the challenges posed by this pipeline systemAll portions of the physical facilities through which liquid or gas moves during transportation. This includes pipe, valves, and other appurtenances attached to… with an extensive range in diameters, as well as numerous challenging wye transitions. 

• Future integrityThe capability of a pipeline to perform its intended function safely and reliably throughout its life. It includes a range of factors, including the structural … program: This customized toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig. paved the way for future inspections and enables the operatorAn entity or organization responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of a pipeline system. The operator is entrusted with ensuring the safe, rel… a thorough view of the integrity of this and future lines .

• Successful baseline inspectionThe systematic process of visually examining, testing, or monitoring pipeline components to assess their condition, integrity, and compliance with regulatory re…: Due to the successful completion of this customized toolGeneric term signifying any type of instrumented tool or pig., this asset in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to start production in 2021, from a new floating production platform, installed in > 4,500 ft waterAn inorganic compound of hydrogen and oxygen. Used in non-destructive testing as a penetrant and as a medium for testing. depth.