The DSR directly addresses long-standing industry challenges posed by scale, wax, and other naturally occurring deposits that obstruct fluid flow, compromise production efficiency and create unsuitable surfaces for bridge plugs. Unlike traditional cleaning methods that rely heavily on corrosive chemicals, the DSR leverages a rotational high-pressure water-jetting system. Its advanced water-jetting nozzle tracks and adapts to a wellbore’s varying inner diameter (ID), delivering precise and effective cleaning for safety valves, side pocket mandrels, and other critical areas, restoring surfaces to bare metal with unmatched efficiency.
Patented in the UK and US, the DSR offers a transformative approach to tackling stubborn wellbore scale. In November 2024, the technology achieved proof of concept during qualification trials at Pipetech’s Aberdeen facility, independently verified by a third-party consultant to ensure alignment with industry standards. Client trials with leading energy operators further validated its potential to enhance production efficiency while significantly reducing environmental impact.
Looking ahead to 2025, field trials will take place to demonstrate the DSR’s superiority over existing chemical and mechanical methods. These trials aim to position the DSR as a faster, more effective solution, opening significant market opportunities. Additionally, global testing is scheduled across redundant wells in the UK, Norway, and other international locations to confirm its adaptability and reliability in diverse field conditions.
Leonard Hamill, Operations Director at Pipetech, emphasised the significance of this breakthrough: “The DSR technology represents a major step forward for the energy sector. By combining advanced engineering with an eco-conscious approach, we’re providing a solution that tackles a long-standing operational challenge while aligning with the industry’s sustainability goals. We are proud to lead this innovation and are thrilled by the strong interest we’ve received from major operators, which underscores the DSR’s potential to become a game-changer in flow assurance.”
The DSR is set to launch in the coming months, with Pipetech confident it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of flow assurance technology.
Photo: The Pipetech team alongside the DSR – (L to R) Håvard Nicolaysen, Project Manager ; Stewart Mcintosh, DSR Project Manager; Leonard Hamill, Operations Director; Gavin Booth, Business Development Manager; Kerri Glennie, Operations Support
Pipetech:
As a subsidiary of Ramco Pipetech Holdings Limited (RPHL), Pipetech operates independently as a leading specialist in pipe and process cleaning, inspection and flow remediation solutions, with its headquarters in Aberdeen. Utilising unique patented technologies Pipetech’s experienced team is dedicated to resolving costly flow and blockage issues across topside, subsea and downhole oil and gas assets, as well as industrial power plants, processing facilities, and refineries. Committed to finding the best technical solution based on customer’s specific requirements, Pipetech’s expert team mobilises rapidly and delivers high quality results, maximising & restoring flow efficiency and reducing downtime for customers.
Key features of the DSR:
Turbine: A tubular device rotates the nozzle, ensuring even cleaning, adaptable to specific wellbore diameters and scale types.
Conduit: A semi-rigid hose segment allows the nozzle to track the wellbore’s ID, equipped with a retractable sleeve to prevent entanglement during deployment.
Nozzle: A conduit-attached jetting head, powered by the swivel, maintains contact with the pipe wall and optimises cleaning. Multiple jetting combinations are based on the scale severity.
Real-time telemetry provides instant feedback during operations, ensuring real-time adjustments to maximised efficiency.
