Subsea Robot NORM Detection and Ultrasound Scale Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil industry faces challenges in maintaining subsea pipelines due to scale buildup, which includes Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), leading to reduced pipeline efficiency and safety concerns during decommissioning.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system equipped with NORM sensors and an ultrasound emission system is developed to detect and map scale deposits within subsea pipelines, followed by the use of a removal solution and ultrasound to break down and remove the scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods are used on subsea pipelines, then scale can be removed, but NORM cannot be detected or removed, leading to radioactive contamination hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs NORM detection and mapping before cleaning operations begin. The NORM sensors scan the pipeline interior to identify radioactive material locations and concentrations, creating a map that guides subsequent targeted cleaning and removal operations, ensuring safety measures are in place before exposure occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The robot serves as an intermediary tool that can be deployed into the pipeline to perform detection and cleaning operations remotely. This allows hazardous NORM removal to be conducted without direct human exposure, as the robot navigates, detects, and cleans the pipeline interior while operators remain on the support vessel
2Productivity
If manual inspection and cleaning methods are used, then pipeline maintenance can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is equipped with integrated NORM sensors, ultrasound emission system, and cleaning mechanisms that operate autonomously once deployed. The system performs self-navigation along the pipeline, autonomous NORM detection, automated mapping, and self-execution of cleaning operations using ultrasound and chemical removal solutions, minimizing the need for continuous human intervention and reducing overall maintenance time
Solution Approach 2:
The robot combines multiple functions into a single platform: NORM detection using radiation sensors, pipeline mapping using ultrasound, navigation along the pipeline, and scale removal using both mechanical and chemical methods. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate inspection and cleaning operations, significantly improving productivity
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive NORM detection and mapping is performed, then accurate identification of scale deposits is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot merges NORM detection sensors, ultrasound mapping equipment, navigation systems, and cleaning mechanisms into a single integrated platform. By combining these functions in one device, the system achieves comprehensive NORM detection and accurate scale deposit mapping without requiring multiple separate systems, thus managing complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The robotic system effectively detects and removes scale deposits, including NORM, from subsea pipelines, improving pipeline efficiency and safety by reducing radioactive emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental guidelines.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound source suspended in a working column adapted to run in the well, in which the ultrasound source provides sufficient ultrasonic energy to remove scale or other unwanted debris or particles from the well pipe
Implementation Method 2
NORM, which is a material found in dispersed form in nature, does not present major hazards. It is a type of radioactive material with a small number of radionuclides.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to meet the objectives described above, the present invention provides a robot for detecting breakdown of NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) in a production system, in order to plan operations to remove scale containing radioactive material, and for decommissioning subsea system operations. The fields of application are the area of flow assurance and reservoir management, using operations to chemically remove scale containing NORM in the production system, and to improve the safety of the decommissioning processes of production systems. The invention allows the position of the scale inside the production system to be safely detected, such as, for example, the beginning of the deposit inside a production line, the extension of the deposit, and the end of the deposit, as well as whether the deposit occurred at different points along the production line.