BJ Services reported the introduction of the GEMINI™ system, a new range of combo tools that provide caliper, metal loss and mapping information in a single tool.

In response to customer demand, BJ Services’ pipeline inspection services group embarked on an ambitious campaign to develop and deploy the GEMINI combo tools, integrating existing technology and customer benefits found in the current fleet of GEOPIG™ and VECTRA™ tools. Unlike conventional combo tools, the GEMINI tool uses an active speed control with a gas bypass capability to run in high-speed gas pipelines to obtain both corrosion and deformation information without restricting gas flow or line speed, a feature common to the VECTRA magnetic flux leakage (MFL) metal loss tools.

Drawing from personnel at BJ Services’ bases in Calgary, Houston and Pescara, the GEMINI tool development team worked to meet the tight four-month deadline. Specialists from various disciplines, including electronics, mechanical and software development, contributed to the initiative. To date, BJ has successfully completed multiple inspections in high-speed gas pipelines with the GEMINI tool for TransCanada Pipeline, ANR and Alliance Pipeline in the United States and Canada.

Tags: BJ Services