This invention relates to a device and method which can be used to detect the location of one or more leaks within a pipeline, by passing the device along the interior of the pipeline. The device includes audio detection means to detect the presence of leaks. Surface mounted apparatus is also provided to allow the passage of the device along the pipeline to be monitored and the position of the device with respect to the pipeline to be detected.

Methods of remotely, selectively controlling the flow rate of fluid moving through a subsea pipeline during dewatering of the pipeline involve a control unit of a subsea valve actuation system selectively, autonomously varying the flow of fluid through a fluid flow conduit of the system fluidly coupled to the pipeline at the pig receiving end thereof based at least partially upon one or more signals emitted by at least one pressure transducer or flow meter fluidly coupled to the fluid flow conduit.

Methods of remotely facilitating the transition between flooding and hydrotesting a subsea pipeline include a control unit of a subsea valve actuation system closing off fluid flow out of the pipeline at the receiving end thereof based at least partially upon one or more signals emitted by at least one intelligent pig that has passed through the pipeline during flooding and without the involvement of an external source at the surface, or a UV, at the pig receiving end of the pipeline.

A device is produced as a small sphere with neutral buoyancy, within which there is, at least, one hydrophone that is connected to a signal processor, which stores the information on a memory card and that is powered by at least one battery. This signal processor has a clock module, through which the sailing time elapsed for each audio signal received by the hydrophone is recorded in the memory. Therefore, based on the sailing time, the exact position of the detected anomalies or leaks can be ascertained. The device is complemented by a series of external synchronisation systems, laid out every certain distance, by which the position error that could be accumulated by the device is neutralised. Thus, a simple device is attained, which is cheap, solid, durable and highly effective.

A method and system for real time monitoring of the condition of a pipeline is disclosed. The method comprises continuously monitoring transient pressure information of a fluid in the pipeline, selecting a time window of transient pressure information and processing the time window of transient pressure information to detect an anomaly in the pipeline.

Compliant leak detection system. The system includes structure adapted to support at least two rows of leak detection leaves, each leak detection leaf supported by an arm pivotally attached to the structure and urged outwardly by a torsion spring into contact with a pipe wall so as to adjust for changes in pipe diameter. The leak detection leaf includes a rigid support and a flexible member such that suction from a leak will cause the flexible member to contact the pipe wall and put a drag force on the structure. An axial force transmitting drum measures the drag force to indicate presence of a leak.

The system utilizes conductivity equipment as well as a camera, pressure sensor, and acoustic hydrophone within a probe deployed via cable into a pipe to be inspected. The probe completes an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. The camera, incorporated into the electric probe, is utilized for both inspection and navigation through the pipe by providing a close-circuit video data feed. The pressure sensor detects alterations in the pressure and flow field of the fluidic region in the area of a leak. The acoustic hydrophone listens for the sound leaks in a pressurized pipeline. The inspection device is tethered to a cable and inserted a measured distance into the pipeline, typically with the pipeline under pressure, via a launch tube. Multi-sensor data versus pipeline position is thus obtained.

This invention relates to a device and method which can be used to detect the location of one or more leaks within a pipeline, by passing the device along the interior of the pipeline. The device includes audio detection means to detect the presence of leaks. Surface mounted apparatus is also provided to allow the passage of the device along the pipeline to be monitored and the position of the device with respect to the pipeline to be detected.

The system utilizes conductivity equipment as well as a camera, pressure sensor, and acoustic hydrophone within a probe deployed via cable into a pipe to be inspected. The probe completes an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. The camera, incorporated into the electric probe, is utilized for both inspection and navigation through the pipe by providing a close-circuit video data feed. The pressure sensor detects alterations in the pressure and flow field of the fluidic region in the area of a leak. The acoustic hydrophone listens for the sound leaks in a pressurized pipeline. The inspection device is tethered to a cable and inserted a measured distance into the pipeline, typically with the pipeline under pressure, via a launch tube. Multi-sensor data versus pipeline position is thus obtained.

Methods of remotely, selectively controlling the flow rate of fluid moving through a subsea pipeline during dewatering of the pipeline involve a control unit of a subsea valve actuation system selectively, autonomously varying the flow of fluid through a fluid flow conduit of the system fluidly coupled to the pipeline at the pig receiving end thereof based at least partially upon one or more signals emitted by at least one pressure transducer or flow meter fluidly coupled to the fluid flow conduit.