Blockage Detection

The accumulation of wax and debris is a major cause of pipeline blockages.

When the extent and distribution of wax or debris build-up are unknown, progressive pigging carries significant risk. Even the first foam pig can become stuck, requiring the deployment of a recovery pig - which itself may also become lodged - creating a compounding problem. In addition, subsequent pigs can struggle as they remove large volumes of deposits, which may accumulate in front of the pig and cause sticking further along the line.

SANCCUS Surveillance Gel provides a safer approach by providing insight into the location and relative severity of restrictions prior to pigging. This enables better planning, reduces operational risk, and supports more efficient cleaning strategies.

SANCCUS Solutions

By pumping a specially formulated, oil-based crosslinked Pipeline Gel before any pigging begins and monitoring the pressure response, the location of a blockage can be detected, subject to flowmeter accuracy. Since both the volume of fluid pumped and the pipeline geometry are known, any pressure spike signals how far along the pipeline the blockage lies and also provides an indication of its severity.