- Provide, as far as possible, a means of quantifying and verifying any potential mercury contamination inventory of in-situ subsea pipelines (i.e., both axially and circumferentially) for a range of lengths, diameters, wall thickness, coatings and water depths.
- A total mercury concentration detection limit target of less than 1 mg/kg in whole steel (or surface equivalent).
- A process or technology that is not necessarily limited to internal and external measurements.
- Non-destructive sampling across the length of the pipeline that maintains the integrity and re-usability of the asset (highly preferred).
- External measurement technologies must be deployable in a subsea environment (i.e. it can be ‘marinized’) and, as far as possible, utilise existing subsea intervention systems (i.e. ROV and associated deployment tooling) or have some other means to be cost effectively deployed to quantify the pipeline contamination inventory.
- External measurements should also aim to account for the shielding effects of pipeline and coating wall thickness and circumferential accessibility.
- Internal measurement technologies should be deployable either through topsides or subsea access systems (and, subject to pipeline connection / pig launching capability, utilise current ‘pigging’ carrier hardware).
About the challenge
The concentration of trace quantities of mercury during the production of oil and gas reservoirs over long-periods presents a challenge during the decommissioning of the production infrastructure. Ensuring that decommissioning activities achieve the best possible environmental outcomes requires a better understanding of the spatial distribution of any potential mercury contamination.
Laboratory-based techniques exist for the measurement and characterization of mercury but require subsea operations for the recovery of spools and/or cold cutting of ‘coupons’ (samples physically removed from the pipeline itself). This is a time-consuming process and is typically applied to the inlet and outlet of the pipeline only resulting in an incomplete assessment of any contamination distributed spatially along its length. The resulting mechanical damage also prevents monitoring of contamination levels during the producing life of the pipeline and limits a better understanding of its potential for re-use.
The challenge therefore seeks solutions that are non-destructive, deployable in the marine environment and are adapted, as far as possible, to existing deployment and carrier technologies.
Solution review & prize awards
All solutions will be reviewed against the functional requirements and preferences outlined below.
Where appropriate, the owner of the ‘winning’ solution will be invited to develop a proof-of-concept or pilot application of the technology or process.
CODA will award a prize to the winning concept or solution that can, if required, be used to help cover the costs of proof-of-concept or pilot development:
- A$15,000 prize for existing prototypes or at- / near-market technology solutions.
- A$5,000 for new, innovative enabling concepts (which define a pathway to the development of technology solutions).
Deadline for submissions
Closing date for solutions to the ‘In-situ Measurement of Mercury in Subsea Pipelines’ Challenge is Friday 12th July 2024.
Key information for submitting your solution
