Detection of hydrates by neutron activation in subsea pipelines

Overview

ABSTRACT

This article demonstrates the possibility of detecting hydrates blocking submarine pipelines, in situ and contactless, using neutron-based techniques. Neutron radiography experiments realised at the neutron source in Garching near Munich showed the possibility to do observations through the thick structure of submarine pipelines. Neutron activation analysis of materials similar in composition to hydrocarbons and hydrates demonstrated that it is fully possible to detect the beginning of the formation of hydrate inside the pipeline. The way is paved for the design of an on-board equipment in a ROV for submarine explorations.

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AUTHORS

Sophie BOUAT: CEO of Science-SAVED, Grenoble, France
Ludovic PINIER: Engineer, TechnipFMC, Paris La Défense, France
Xavier SÉBASTIAN: Engineer, TechnipFMC, Paris La Défense, France
Adrian LOSKO: Instrument Scientist, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, Garching, Germany
Rudolf SCHÜTZ: Instrument Engineer, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, Garching, Germany
Michael SCHULZ: Group Leader Neutron Imaging, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, Garching, Germany
Zsolt REVAY: PGAA Group Leader, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, Garching, Germany
Zeljko ILIC: PhD student, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, Garching, Germany
Eric MAUERHOFER: Instrument Scientist, Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (Jcns-2), Peter Grünberg Institut (Pgi-4) Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
Thomas BRÜCKEL: Institute Director JCNS-2 and PGI-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
Ralph GILLES: Senior Scientist, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, Garching, Germany

INTRODUCTION

Despite the need, for the sake of the planet, to turn to green energies, some generations will still have to depend on non-renewable energies. Oil and gas are among the latter, and to distribute them from extraction sites to sites of exploitation and use, pipelines are the most commonly used method of transport. Among all gas and oil pipelines, subsea pipelines are indispensable because they are the lifeline of marine oil operations. They are therefore extensively studied to prevent defects and damage throughout their life cycle. Among the incidents identified, the formation of hydrates in subsea pipelines remains one of the phenomena that still challenges the oil industry today. Locating these hydrate plugs is therefore of prime importance in order to take action and get rid of them. Hydrate blockages in subsea pipelines have to be located without having to dismantle the pipelines, i.e. through their very thick walls at a depth of 1,000 or 2,000 metres. The techniques usually used by the oil industry to detect the presence of hydrates inside pipelines are ineffective in the subsea environment. To locate these hydrate plugs in situ and without direct contact with subsea pipelines, it is necessary to use a non-destructive technique based on neutrons, which are sensitive to the difference in composition between hydrocarbons and hydrates. The effectiveness of this technique has been demonstrated by this study, opening the door to the development of transportable equipment that could be carried on board a remotely controlled underwater vehicle to "fly over" subsea pipelines to locate hydrate plugs and enable their removal.

Key points

Field: Neutron-based techniques for analyzing the composition of materials

Degree of technology diffusion: Growth

Technologies involved: Neutron radiography – NAA (Neutron Activation Analysis)

Applications: Oil industry

Main French players: Science-SAVED

– Manufacturers: TechnipFMC

Other global players: Research Neutron Source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) at Garching near Munich, Germany

Contact: [email protected] & https://science-saved.com/en/

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