BACKGROUND OF THE CHALLENGE
In the last decade, composite overwrap repair has become a predominant repair method for carbon steel pipelines and piping in the Oil & Gas industry. As opposed to the early design motivation of being a temporary makeshift repair, advancement in the composite overwrap technologies has let the industry to expect that the service life of these repairs to last for decades.
In fulfilling such expectation and in ensuring operational safety, the industry therefore requires regular monitoring and inspection on composite overwrap repairs over carbon steel pipelines and piping.
THE WINNING SOLUTION
Winner: Sonomatic Ltd
The objective of this challenge was to find an effective inspection tool to examine and monitor the integrity of the composite overwrap used for repairs of carbon steel pipelines and piping.
The advancement in the composite overwrap technologies has led the oil and gas industry to expect that the service life of these repairs lasts for decades, hence the requirement of regular monitoring and inspection in ensuring operational safety and operational optimisation.
The second PETRONAS Technology Challenge received an encouraging number of proposals from seven countries. The proposals ranged from multiple inspection techniques such as Ultrasonic Testing, Electromagnetic, Laser Testing Methods, Guided Wave Testing, Microwave method and X-Ray technology. These proposals were evaluated by a panel of expertise through a comprehensive assessment process and technology demonstration. The final outcome revealed that the proposal from Sonomatic Ltd has what it takes to meet the objective of this challenge.
The winner, Sonomatic Ltd proposed an integrated solution consisting of Dynamic Response Spectroscopy (DRS) and Microwave Field Inspection Tools. The DRS is primarily utilised for the inspection of the carbon steel pipe remaining wall thickness. It also offers a high-level assessment of the wrap integrity while the microwave method is primarily utilised for the assessment of the repair integrity and the external surface of piping substrate.
PETRONAS will collaborate with Sonomatic Ltd to mature the technology and on subsequent deployment upon meeting the agreed mutual targets.