Case Study of Lodged Gauge Tool Retrieval in a Large Diameter Pipeline

Abstract Gibson Energy Edmonton Terminal has a thirty-six (36) inch pipeline that transports crude oil product from the Gibson Edmonton West Terminal to the customer header facility. The pipeline began construction in 2015; however, upon completion of its construction, the system was never commissioned and was put in discontinuation status immediately following the pressure test. As part of the pipeline resumption work, a tether inline inspection (ILI) was scheduled for January 2023. The ILI tool would assist to quantitatively assess the internal condition of the pipeline under a bored road crossing. During the preparation for the ILI run, the gauge tool got lodged during pullback. The case study details the events that lead to the tool lodge, as well as the planning and the execution of the eventual safe removal of the lodged tool. The overall considerations of the different options, as well as the option selected will be described in this paper.