When you have blocked pipes in the home, the biggest hassle is often trying to find a plumber who can visit within a fortnight. When you are responsible for operating an oil rig, dealing with blockages on a different kind of pipe can be time-consuming, and very costly.
Aberdeen-based Pipetech Operations has come up with a new tool for pressurised systems (TPS), designed in-house at its base in Portlethen, which allows access for extended cleaning reach capabilities within a pressurised environment.
It uses a technique called aqua milling, which allows operators to clean pipework without causing damage. The technique, created by US company Aqua Drill, can also be used for waste removal and cleaning inside vessels.
It is a remotely operated system with the ability to clean internal pipework with any type of scale, wax or coating, back to bare metal, if required.
The technique can resurrect blocked piping systems that may otherwise have to be replaced and is capable of milling through fully cemented pipes.
The company specialises in complex pipework systems of varying diameter and can negotiate multiple 90 degree bends, directional changes and up to 500 meters from a single entry point.
The new TPS mechanical solution comprises of a multiple sealing design arrangement to allow safe cleaning using the aqua milling technology within operational systems up to 60 bar. The TPS can be used during shutdown and while in production, which is unusual for the product type.
The assembly consists of a three-stage design each housing a unique active seal arrangement to tolerate bypassing of multiple hose couplings securely, without loss of containment.
Managing director Lindsay Young, said: “We’ve implemented an internal wiper assembly to ensure our aqua milling hose returns in a clean state on retrieval. The new TPS enables us to operate on extended reach systems. We are also able to operate on pipes that cannot be pigged.”
“Risk mitigation, monitoring and control are all key features of the design therefore we have incorporated a double block and bleed arrangement with pressure monitoring capabilities as well as an emergency hydraulic hose sheer and grab mechanism,” he added.
Pipetech was established in Stavanger in 2001 and acquired by inspection and cleaning specialists Ramco in 2014 with the UK operating company set up at Portlethen.