The paper describes development of In-Line Inspection (ILI) tools and equipment for deployment in 500+m water depth offshore oil production pipelines. Various design challenges were posed by the operational conditions and the pipeline operator.

A joint development project is described in which 3P Services and Total E&P define the necessary tool characteristics, development and test program.

These challenges included: high pressure tool body design (considering the resulting limited internal space available for on board systems), bi-directional inspection operation capability, ability to negotiate flexible risers without damage to the riser’s internal carcass.

Non tool related developments were also required to prepare a locating device for use in a stuck tool event.

After the successful development, 5 years of operational experience are reviewed summarizing lessons learned and potential for further development.