Expro’s Velonix has successfully supported two in-line inspection runs on a hydrogen-service pipeline where previous attempts without its velocity control were unsuccessful.

The project marked the first hydrogen-service pipeline application for Velonix®, enabling multiple in-line inspection (ILI) runs to be completed after previous attempts without the system’s control had failed.

Hydrogen can damage ILI magnets and is more compressible than natural gas or nitrogen, making PIG speed and tool velocity difficult to control. During an earlier attempt, an uncontrolled speed excursion destroyed the multi-million-dollar ILI tool and resulted in the complete loss of inspection data.

For the completed runs, the digital flow skid, valves, materials, and sealing systems were reconfigured to meet hydrogen-compatibility requirements. The system reduced and controlled flow velocity in real time while continuously monitoring flow conditions.

Velonix responded to developing speed excursions to suppress or eliminate them before they could escalate. According to Expro, this stabilized PIG velocity during the pipeline integrity operations and protected the inspection equipment from uncontrolled speed events.

Stable tool velocity also enabled the customer to obtain live integrity data through Expro’s Data-to-Desk platform. The company said the data supported faster decision-making and allowed the customer to validate the pipeline’s mechanical integrity in hydrogen service.

Expro also said stabilizing PIG speed reduced the safety and financial risks associated with uncontrolled speed excursions and turned an operation that had previously been unreliable into a controlled, repeatable process.

Source:   Hydrogentechworld