Remote Inspection of Crude Oil Pipeline
Dexon successfully conducted a high-resolution inspection of a 26-km underground crude oil pipeline located in a conflict zone in Africa, where foreign engineers could not be safely deployed. The inspection was performed using the UT-MC Octopus, a specialized tool designed for detecting metal loss in highly viscous mediums like crude oil.
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Overview
Key challenge:
Inspect a crude oil pipeline in a conflict zone where foreign engineers could not safely deploy.
Project Details
Length: 26 km
Diameter: 10-in.
Type: Underground crude oil transport pipeline
Inspection Medium: Crude oil
Location: Onshore
Continent: Africa
Tool: UT-MC Octopus, specializing in high-resolution metal loss in highly viscous mediums
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1:
Inaccessible site for Dexon inspectors due to security risks
Solution:
Trained local engineers with a 3-month intensive training at Dexon HQ
Shipped tools to certified, local engineers to deploy the tool independently
Challenge 2:
Addressing mechanical issues without Dexon engineers on-the-ground
Solution:
Remote support team guided full diagnostics and verification from 10,000 km away
Advised repairs remotely, but major repairs would require shipping the tool back to HQ (in this case, there were no major repairs)
Challenge 3:
Lack of niche, inspection goods locally
Solution:
Shipped consumables and spare ILI parts alongside tool
Conclusion
Dexon successfully executed the inspection in a high-risk region without ever stepping on-site. The inspection is just one among dozens completed over the last decade in collaboration with Dexon-trained, local engineers.