LR-led consortium to develop new integrated pipeline repair solution

A consortium comprising Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Western Specialties (WS) is developing integrated pipeline maintenance and repair method Smart Sleeve.

Leveraging LR’s technology and sensing capabilities, this data-driven and sensor-based product combines the functionalities of a repair solution and monitoring system into one.

WS technology director Ryan LaVergne said: “We are taking two existing technologies that are currently being used today and merging them into something that can finally provide insight to operators and regulators on their ageing infrastructure.

“Taking this proactive approach to monitoring anomalies can help predict what’s going on without having to perform future digs, as well as give a multitude of data points used in future calculations.”

The Smart Sleeve technology solution will provide pipeline operators with access to advanced analytics.

LR senior concept developer Alan Turner said: “Our technology contains sensors enabling a variety of features, including pressure, temperature and the possibility to monitor infrastructure for overburden, re-rate, corrosion or crack monitoring, as well as movement in geologically active areas.

“We have created an approach that can detect when repairs that are made to a pipeline are in need of inspection reducing the need for unnecessary digs, onshore or offshore.

“It is a 24/7 monitoring system that offers pipeline operators and regulatory authorities an overview of how safe a pipeline actually is every minute of every day.”

Smart Sleeve is also expected to alert operators of unexpected events to provide them with options to mitigate disruption. The product will be designed to enable pipelines to operate at full pressure, ensuring enhanced production and income.

LR is an engineering and technology-centric professional services provider, while WS is engaged in designing composite reinforcement systems on pipelines.