Session: 06-05-02 Strain Demand

Paper Number: 133268

133268 - Evaluation of Geohazards Using a Novel In-Line Inspection Technology 

Abstract: 

The RRP pipeline company operates a network of crude oil and oil products pipelines in The Netherlands and Germany, as well as some liquid storage facilities. The oil is transported to oil refineries in Germany, while other lines transfer refined products which are sourced from refineries in the Europoort area.

One of the pipelines was known to be subjected to movement due to mining activities which cause land subsidence. Although the mining activities started after pipeline construction, these were foreseen, and considerations were made during the design phase of the pipelines. In fact, the conscious decision was made to align the right of way with the mining area, and a system of strain gauges were installed in specific monitoring points. Strain gauges were installed to monitor the influence of the mine on the pipeline, during installation and assumed to provide absolute levels of axial strain in more than 100 locations. Strain gauge data is collected regularly and compared to a model of the pipeline to monitor influences of ground movement on axial loading of the line. Pipeline strain relief operations are performed as needed, where the line is excavated, and partially renewed for relaxation.

Although the system continues to work about 60 years after installation, it does not cover the entire length of the pipeline. During regular technical exchanges with NDT Global, the idea was discussed to consider a newly developed technology to measure axial strain in pipelines.

Eddy current testing is widely used as NDE inspection technique for ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Eddy current sensors are commonly used for ID/OD discrimination on MFL tools, and widely known to be most sensitive for diagnosis of surface-breaking defects. The technology is highly mature when deployed in various applications, for instance for pipeline in-ditch inspection during validation activities.

RRP and NDT Global agreed to use the Eddy Current in-line inspection data to capture data for the full length of the line and compare this data to the measurements from the strain gauges installed on the pipelines.

This paper will summarize this validation activity, and present the latest effort in developing eddy current for in-line strain measurement in pipelines. The fundamental physical principles will be reviewed, and key parameters considered during the design. Internal validation steps and results will be highlighted. A particular focus applies to analysis for a known and well-characterized geohazard event.

The authors will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the various technologies and discuss how new technologies can be used to improve the integrity of pipelines facing geohazards.

Presenting Author: Bart Koppens Rotterdam Rijn Pijpleiding NV

Presenting Author Biography: Bart Koppens (1968) studied Business Engineering and Inspection Engineering during his career and obtained a Master of Science in Management at the Open University of the Netherlands.

He worked thirteen years at Gasunie, ten years at the Industrial Safety department with a focus on inspections at industrial customers and offshore assets as well as Gasunie's assets. Three years at Special Assignments with a focus on welding gas-carrying pipes, stopple and bypass operations, recompression of natural gas and mobile installations.

Since 2013, he has been Pipeline Manager at the N.V. Rotterdam-Rhine Pipeline company (RRP) and is responsible for the pipelines in the Netherlands and Germany and currently Business Opportunity Manager.

Since 2015, he has also been Technical Director of the Amsterdam Schiphol Pipeline (ASP) on behalf of Shell.

Currently involved with the Delta Corridor project.

Authors:

Bart Koppens Rotterdam Rijn Pijpleiding NV
Rob Claassen Rotterdam Rijn Pijpleiding NV
Jan Droesen Rotterdam Rijn Pijpleiding NV
Sylvain Cornu NDT Global
Willem Vos NDT Global