Leak Location & Sealing using Platelet TechnologyTM

Platelet Technology^TM is a unique and innovative method of sealing and locating leaks in pressurised pipelines; and is adapted from the human body\´s own leak sealing method whereby platelets in the blood stream initiate the mechanism for sealing cuts and wounds. The technology involves the remote injection of discrete particles known as "Platelets^R" into a pipeline which are carried to the leak site due to the flow. When they reach the vicinity of the leak fluid forces entrain them into the leak and hold them against the pipe wall thus facilitating a seal, this also marks the position of the leak for subsequent detection since each Platelet^TM carries a traceable tagging device. The technology has been used successfully on a number of offshore operations since the first field deployment in September 2004, when Platelets^R were used to seal a subsea water injection line leak on BP\´s Foinaven field. As a result of the operation the line pressure increased by 20 bar which resulted in a significant increase in production. BP had originally intended to reply upon the Platelet^TM seal for a period of 6-9 months until a planned shutdown in the spring of 2005, but in eventuality they continued production with the Platelet^TM in place for a period in excess of 19 months. Platelet Technology^TM is a very versatile pipeline integrity solution. Plateletsreg can be used to seal leaks in small bore subsea umbilicals operating at 500 bar but are equally able to seal leaks in large overland pipelines operating at just above atmospheric pressure. This is because Plateletsreg are not an off-the-shelf product and are designed and manufactured specifically for each operation through application of an advanced engineering process which includes analytical and numerical modelling, pressure vessel and flow loop testing and material compatibility analysis. By following this process a Platelet^TM material an- - d geometry can be selected with properties which are optimised for the application in question. This does not mean however that Brinker are not able to respond quickly to unexpected leaks which occur. In emergency situations, by using the knowledge obtained from previous operations, this engineering process can be fast-tracked to provide the client with the best possible solution within the timeframe available. An example of this was an emergency response operation carried out for Shell in August 2005 where a solution was delivered, and a difficult offshore leak sealed, within 5 days from the initial call. In addition to Platelet Technology^TM Brinker have recently applied their pipeline integrity expertise to develop Telepath^TM. Telepath^TM is a non-invasive tool which, through a combination of analytical and numerical modelling, enables leaks in subsea umbilicals to be accurately located. This technique was recently put to use when, on behalf of Norsk Hydro, Brinker successfully located a leak in the umbilical system which supports the Ormen Lange Field. The umbilical system is approximately 120 km long and Brinker were able, through the application of Telepath^TM, to accurately locate a leak 30 km from the shore. This paper will present a general overview of Platelet Technology^TM and its application in deep waters and will also focus on the recent successful field use of Telepathtrade on behalf of Norsk Hydro.