Dexon TechnologyEastern Seaboard of Thailand – September 15 – Dexon Technology has successfully executed a custom solution for a pair of challenging 12” subsea pipelines.
These lines connect an onshore pumping station to a sea berth, providing tankers with jet fuel and diesel for international transport. With tight shipping schedules and high downtime costs, executing a rapid inspection without sacrificing top-tier quality was crucial for the client.
To minimize downtime and reduce costs, Dexon proposed a bidirectional run for the inspection.
The Challenge
While a bidirectional run offered clear benefits, it presented two challenges:
The standard version of Dexon’s Ultrasonic Testing Multi-Channel (UT-MC) Ring needed adjustments to bidirectionally navigate the tight turns.
The pipeline needed a customized launcher and receiver.
Customizing the UT-MC Ring for Bidirectional Runs
The client wanted to avoid placing a receiver at the sea berth, as it would require an additional day of shutdown and a complex installation.
The inspection needed to be bidirectional.
While bidirectional runs are typical in the industry, running this line required adapting the tool to minimize risks. Typically, ultrasonic tools are optimized for one-directional use, with flexible joints to ensure proper centering and navigation through sharp turns; adding a return journey increases the chance of error.
Dexon utilized its compact UT-MC Ring, confident that it would be up for the task.
The key features of this UT-MC Ring include:
Compact design with condensed electronics, hard drive, and transducers.
Joint-free construction to reduce the risk of the tool getting stuck on sharp turns.
High accuracy in detecting corrosion and metal loss with ±0.3mm precision.
Compliance with POF 2021 standards for inspection and reporting.
Creating a Custom Launcher
Another challenge was the absence of a launcher and receiver.
Dexon’s engineering team, experienced in designing custom launchers, stepped in to create a bespoke solution. Using the operator’s plans, they created a specialized launcher onshore.
This tailored setup enabled Dexon to inspect the pipeline while keeping petroleum flowing and avoiding the need for an expensive receiver at the sea berth. The launcher design was also provided to the operator free of charge.
The Outcome
Despite the challenges posed, Dexon successfully completed the inspection.
Following an initial cleaning and assessment, the customized UT-MC Ring finished the inspection in just over two hours. The data was then reviewed by Dexon’s team, who confirmed that it met the company’s high standards.
This project highlights Dexon’s ability to deliver tailored solutions to meet clients' unique needs. By customizing both the inspection tool and providing essential services like launcher design, Dexon minimized downtime while maintaining high-quality data and pipeline integrity—all while keeping costs under control.