Inspection of the «Bovanenkovo – Ukhta–2» gas pipeline

On August 10 «NPC «VTD» completed inspection of more than 900 km of the new gas pipeline «Bovanenkovo – Ukhta–2» – one of the main gas arteries in Russia, destined for gas transport from the Yamal Peninsula to Ukhta.

«Bovanenkovo – Ukhta–2» – is the gas pipeline of new generation, its base diameter is 1400 mm, with a wall thickness up to 33 mm and a record product pressure for onshore pipelines – 120 atmospheres. All the pipes of the pipeline have smooth internal coating.

To inspect this pipeline, the latest set of tools 1400, able to inspect gas pipelines with smooth internal coating, was used. All the onboard electronics of inspection equipment is securely protected from the negative impact of electrostatic discharges, arising from the equipment friction on smooth internal coating. Due to specially designed active bypass, the set of tools 1400 is able to operate without reducing the flow capacity of the pipeline.

Equipment delivery to such an outlying subject of the Russian Federation is a challenging logistic task. Complicated arrangements for delivery with involvement of road, railroad and air transport were used. Moreover, the gas pipeline was located in harsh weather conditions. Despite this, «NPC «VTD» succeeded in carrying out the works as planned and successfully executed the whole complex of activities of In-Line Inspection.