Dexon TechnologyDEXON Technology Public Company Limited (DEXON), a leader in the development of engineering inspection innovations and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) , delivered our inline inspection services completely for the Sealine pipeline at the Gulf of Thailand.This initiative aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of energy pipeline systems, which are vital to the country's economic infrastructure. Maintaining the safety and efficiency of these pipelines is of utmost importance.
DEXON has developed the Ultrasonic Testing Rotation In-Line Inspection tool (UT-R), a cutting-edge technology designed to ensure maximum safety. This technology is suitable for pipelines transporting low to medium viscosity liquids and can inspect pipelines at speeds of up to 3-5 meters per minute. The UT-R can accurately and thoroughly detect internal and external corrosion (metal loss), dents, and ovality in the pipes, ensuring the pipelines remain safe and operational continuously.
In a recent successful operation, DEXON inspected a 16-inch Sealine pipeline extending over 15 kilometres in the Gulf of Thailand using the UT-R tool. The inspection took only 17 hours at a speed of 3 meters per minute, optimal for gathering detailed data. During this inspection, DEXON identified top-of-line corrosion, a common issue in natural gas pipelines that reduces their lifespan. The inspection process began with the installation of the 16-inch UT-R tool into the pipeline via a Launcher, using seawater as the medium to transmit ultrasonic signals and propel the device with high-pressure pumps. The equipment moved along the Riser to inspect the pipe walls for damage, capable of detecting internal and external damages simultaneously. After traversing the Riser and Elbow into the Sealine for 3 kilometres, the tool collected data for the first 3 kilometres as requested by the client, a critical area prone to damage. The tool then switched to using pressure from the production well, a multiphase flow, to push the tool to the Receiver on another platform. Once retrieved, DEXON downloaded the collected data for analysis. The tool accurately captured data along the entire pipeline length, which was then analysed by a team of data engineers to assess pipeline damage and categorize the types of defects. The inspection results enable clients to plan maintenance schedules and ensure the efficient management of the pipeline system.