Tracerco, a part of FTSE100 Johnson Matthey Plc, has launched a new product that enables oil companies to quickly scan pipeline to detect the location of deposits causing flow assurance issues.

The technology, known as Explorer™, is able to screen subsea pipelines for content and deposit build-up at typical speeds of up to 100 meters per hour, meaning many kilometers of pipeline can be surveyed per day, the company explained.

Lee Robins, Head of Subsea Services at Tracerco, said: “Accurately detecting the location of blockages caused by a build-up of deposits is an on-going issue for the oil industry. Having listened to the needs of our customers, we are delighted to be able to launch Explorer™ - a speedy and innovative low-risk solution.

“Tracerco is now able to provide subsea operators with a fast screening means of locating their pipeline deposits and blockages, Explorer™ - followed by precision characterisation using Discovery™.”

Explorer™ can operate at depths of up to 3,000m (10,000ft) and can cover pipe diameters from 2 to 60 inches. It has the ability to screen a variety of different piping systems: standard rigid pipe (coated or uncoated), pipe-in-pipe, bundle systems and flexibles.

Explorer™ detects the location of deposit build-ups by measuring the density profile of the pipeline and then analysing any detected anomalies. An abnormal density, in relation to the material flowing in the line, indicates a build-up of deposit. It has already been used on several subsea flowlines including a project in the North Sea, as well as a campaign in the Gulf of Mexico.