T.D. Williamson: First Pipeline Inspection in Kenya Using MDS Technology

T.D. Williamson (TDW), the global pipeline solutions provider, completed its first in-line inspection (ILI) in Kenya using TDW multiple dataset (MDS) technology.

The MDS platform incorporates a variety of inspection technologies on a single platform. It is widely accepted as the most comprehensive system on the market to identify integrity threats through a single in-line inspection run.

TDW performed the inspection on a new, 20-inch diameter refined multi-product transmission pipeline that runs 450 km (279 mi) from Mombasa to Nairobi. The pipeline is owned and operated by the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC). The goal of the operation was to provide a baseline measurement to determine any threats that may impact future integrity, including mechanical damage, illegal hot taps, selective seam weld corrosion and material property changes such as hard spots.

Prior to the MDS inspection, TDW and its Egyptian Channel Partner Engineering Petroleum Services (EPS) cleaned the pipeline to avoid potential ILI tool performance issues that can degrade inspection data. They performed 12 cleaning and gauging runs on the 450 km (279 mi) of pipeline, totaling 3,600 km (2,237 mi) of cleaning.

TDW Project Manager Jamie Bull oversaw the cleaning, gauging and inspection operations. Each achieved 100% success.

According to TDW Sales Manager Mohamed Hesham, the inspection prepared the pipeline to meet demand for petroleum products in Kenya and the region for years to come.