Objective
To implement the design, manufacture, test and commissioning of an autonomous isolation plug capable of being driven through an oil or gas pipeline, tracked to position and halted at a defined location . By virtue of onboard energy, control and communications systems the plug will be anchored and provide a seal within the pipeline, thus allowing the pipeline to be severed for repair or modification purposes without the release of the pipeline contents. Reduction or removal of the hydrocarbon inventory within the pipeline will be thereby obviated and significant energy savings will result.
A prototype of the UTP has been built and tested onshore. Certain UTP systems have been tested offshore. The results obtained during testing have been very satisfactory.
The autonomous pipeline plug to be tested is innovative in that it will employ state of the art technology to enable it to transit long distances (> 50 km) within a pipeline and be brought to a standstill at a pre-determined point. Three significant technologies to be employed are :
- Use of a predictive program to allow initial control of the positioning of the plug by regulation of the flow rate and pressure within the pipeline.
- Autonomous in terms of power for control functions.
- Use of a communications link between the plug and surface operators to monitor status and control functions of the plug without the need for a direct wire connection.
Detailed investigations have been undertaken during the design phase of the project to establish the performance parameters of the major sub-assemblies of the plug, followed by prototype construction and testing as necessary. Full manufacturing drawings of the plug and its systems will be produced as part of this phase.
A complete andfully functional set of plug components has been produced during the manufacturing phase, followed by integration into a complete plug in the assembly phase.
The completed plug has been subjected to a range of commissioning and performance tests, carried out both in a land-based pipeline test-loop and an offshore test site.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
AB21 9RQ Aberdeen
United Kingdom