Pipeline Cleaning and Inspection

At Prism Energy, we have decades of experience operating on pipeline projects across the North Sea and beyond. Our project managers are actively involved in various pipeline projects, including pre-commissioning, pigging, inline inspection (ILI), and decommissioning.

Below is an overview of a pipeline inspection scope we completed in the UK sector of the North Sea.

Description

A progressive cleaning campaign was undertaken, followed by inline inspection pigging of a 240km major gas export pipeline system. This was the first pigging operation since the system’s commissioning 15 years ago.

Services Provided

Project Management

Internal and External Stakeholder Management

Vendor Management

On-Site Execution

Focal Point Representation

Challenges Successfully Managed

The operation required a full pipeline shutdown, leading to significant production deferment and necessitating close coordination across multiple internal and external stakeholders. With substantial liquid hold-up, large volumes of solids, and extreme elevation changes of up to ±800 m during pigging, the cleaning process presented considerable operational and engineering challenges.

Spanning more than two years from initial kick-off to execution, the project relied on meticulous planning, preparation, collaboration, and stakeholder management. Given the technical complexities and uncertainties, a cautious, iterative progressive pigging programme was adopted, with data-driven decision-making at each stage to minimise risk. This resulted in a flawless execution, completed safely, on schedule, and under budget.