Testing tools check pipeline conditions
A cleaning tool travels the carbon dioxide pipeline from Tioga, ND, to Goodwater, Sask., to remove any residue on the pipeline’s inner diameter.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative
- September 23, 2011
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| The magnetic flux leakage tool arrives at Goodwater, Sask., after collecting information during its 30-hour journey through the carbon dioxide pipeline. |
An 88-mile section of the carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline was checked recently as part of Dakota Gasification Company’s Integrity Management Program.
Matt Miller, project engineer, said the two tools used to detect pipeline integrity, the geometry and MFL (magnetic flux leakage) tools, successfully made their way through the pipeline over the past two weeks.
The process began when a cleaning tool was launched in the 12-inch section of CO2 pipeline that runs from Tioga, ND, to Goodwater, Sask., to remove any residue on the pipeline’s inner diameter.
A sizing tool was launched Aug. 30. The sizing tool checks the pipeline for large geometric defects. Next, on Sept. 6, the geometry tool was launched to check for anomalies including dents, gouges and grooves in the pipeline. And finally, the MFL was sent down the pipeline Sept. 12. “This is the smart tool,” Miller said. “It gives an accurate characterization and location of metal loss features.”
Each tool takes about 30 hours to run the 88-mile stretch and gather all the necessary information.
Preliminary field reports from Baker Hughes showed the tools performed well. A final report will be sent to Dakota Gas within 90 days of the respective tool’s run. Miller will review all the information and issue confirmation digs and repair recommendations, if necessary.
Per the Department of Transportation, the sections of the CO2 pipeline must be checked every five years.
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