1

Through Wall Communication Revolutionises Pig Tracking

By Gordon Blair, UK Sales Manager, TDW Offshore ServicesPPSA, Aberdeen 19/11/2008

2

Contents

• Why pig tracking?

• What are the options?

• SmartTrack system benefits

• Field Examples & Applications

• SmartTrack product series

• Summary of application

• Conclusion

3

Why pig tracking?

• For detection and location of pigs in pipelines. • Tracking is the most efficient way:

– to be able to locate stuck pigs in a pipeline.– to detect pigs and confirm a pig has passed a valve to be

closed, or to confirm a pig has arrived in the receiver.

What are the Options?• Radio active source

• No battery life issues but handling issues

• Transmitters (“Pingers”)

• Battery life issues vs frequency/signal strength

• Inflexible once in the pipeline

4

SmartTrack™ System Advantages:Unique ID and Play Back

• Each pig is given a unique ID, so that the location of each pig in a multiple pig train can be identified.

• Data can be recorded for later playback

If a pig is missed by the operator then replay to be sure of where you are!

5

SmartTrackTM Advantages

• The output power of the SmartTrackTM transponder is adjustable at any time during a project to optimize battery lifetime, pigging speed, burial depths and positioning accuracy.

• Unit can be put into dormant mode for elongated periods then re-awakened remotely to allow continuation of the operation

• Pig Tracking with SmartTrack™ allows complete operational flexibility.

• SmartTrack™ fits into your plan & does not dictate it.

6

SmartTrack™ Advantages

• Monitors multiple pig tracking locations without the need to move subsea tracking systems or require multiple vessels

• Wireless communication between the subsea receiver and the platform or vessels

• The system tracks pigs subsea, topside, and in onshore buried pipelines

• Positioning accuracy of 5cm (2in)

7

SmartTrack™ Advantages

• Signal strength, transponder speed, and ID can be changed while the transponder is in the pipeline

• The SmartTrackTM system can be put into stand-by mode inside the pipeline and transponder battery lifetime can be extended greatly.

8

SmartTrack™ Pig to Vessel Communication

2 1 1 2

Pressure 50%

Pressure 50%

Pressure 100%

Pressure 50%

Pressure 100%

Section to be replaced

SmartTrack parameters can be changed from the vessel. Frequency, power level, sleep mode and interrogation of deployed sensors (e.g. pressure) can all be set remotely

Acoustic Modem

9

In Line Monitoring

• SmartTrack can be used to monitor pipeline parameters (such as pressure), and allow interrogation from the vessel.

• Offers active monitoring of pressure and pig location during applications (such as pipeline isolation with a high friction pig train)

10

SmartTrack™ High Friction Pig Train

Receiver valves

Flow Direction

•SmartTrack™ utilised to confirm individual pig position and the pressure across each high friction isolation pig.

•Real time monitoring throughout the operation.

11

SmartTrack product series

12

SmartTrack product series

• SmartTrack Transponder D116 / D76

• SmartTrack Topside Transceiver

• SmartTrack Remote Transceiver

• SmartTrack Diverheld Receiver

• SmartTrack PDA• SmartTrack Subsea Communications Skid

13

SmartTrack Transponder D116 / D76

Applications• Tracking, location and identification

of pigs inside pipelines. • Mounted on the pig, preferably

centered with the antenna end outside any metal pig body.

14

SmartTrack Topside Transceiver

Applications• Locate, track, and identify pigs with

SmartTrack transponders • Communicates with a handheld computer

using Bluetooth wireless• Can be used topside or on land• Positioned parallel to the pipeline for general

use or perpendicular for pinpointing

15

SmartTrack Remote Transceiver

Applications• Locate, track and identify pigs with

SmartTrack Transponders. • Connected to laptop computer via cable.• Can be used stationary sub sea /

topside / land or carried by ROV

swimming along the pipeline.• Positioned parallel to the pipeline for general use or

perpendicular for pinpointing.

16

SmartTrack Diverheld Receiver

Applications• Locate, track and identify pigs with

SmartTrack Transponders.• Normally diver operated,

but can be handled by a ROV.• Positioned parallel to the pipeline for

general use or perpendicular for pinpointing.

.

17

SmartTrack PDA

Applications• Locate, track, and identify pigs with

SmartTrack transponders • Communicates with the SmartTrack

Topside Transceiver using Bluetooth.• Can be used topside or on land

18

Typical use / pig passing

31 2

1

2

3

19

Acoustic Transducer

Modem & batteries

Remote Transceiver

SmartTrackTM Subsea Communications Skid

• The primary application for this system is wireless offshore pig tracking during projects that otherwise require the vessel to be moved or vessels to be added.

20

SmartTrack demo

21

The SmartTrackTM system provides complete flexibility for pig tracking & much more!

Pig Tracking with SmartTrack™ allows complete operational flexibility.

SmartTrack™ fits into to your plan & does not dictate it.