Patent ID: 8746042
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: B63C,B63G,E21B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A method of subsea pipeline integrity testing comprising the steps of: providing a subsea pipeline service skid (SPSS) that comprises at least one high pressure pump that is capable of continuing to deliver flow where ambient pressures at both suction and discharge are equal to or greater than 400 pounds per square inch (p.s.i.) and a pressure monitor able to detect a change in pressure of about 1 (p.s.i.) within a pipeline; utilizing a Submersible Vehicle (SV), an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) or a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) to move the SPSS to a subsea section of the pipeline, wherein a pipeline termination head is affixed to each end of the pipeline; using the SV, AUV or ROV to power the at least one high pressure pump to pull fluid out of the pipeline and thereby reduce pressure in the pipeline below ambient pressure around the pipeline; and monitoring pressure in the pipeline to determine if any in-flow leakage occurs sufficient to change pressure within the pipeline.