FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The invention relates to a treatment system. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a treatment system relating to pipeline pre-commissioning.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0003] Pipeline pre-commissioning involves a number of processes whereby the ability of a pipeline and piping system is tested under pressure to contain a fluid without leaking. As part of pipeline pre-commissioning, pipeline flooding is carried out by propelling pigs through the pipeline with water or free flooding the pipeline with water.

[0004] As can be appreciated, when seawater surrounds the pipeline, seawater is typically used in pipeline flooding as it is easily accessible. A downside of flooding the pipeline with seawater is corrosion of the internal surface of the pipeline due to potential contaminants within the sea water.

[0005] Presently, to assist with preventing corrosion of the internal surface of the pipeline during flooding, chemicals are added to the pipeline through the use of manually controlled pumps. However, in many cases, this method does not effectively allow the treatment of the pipeline due to inaccurate addition of the chemicals through the manual process, which in turn may lead to pipeline corrosion, degredation, or alike. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an aim of this invention to provide a treatment system which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

[0007] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a treatment system for a pipeline, the system including: a first additive assembly comprising: a first pump connected to a first additive; and a first additive controller being configured to control flow of the first additive being delivered from the first pump to the pipeline; and a pipeline flow sensor connected to the pipeline and in communication with the first additive controller, wherein in response to the pipeline flow sensor detecting a fluid flow in the pipeline, the first additive controller delivers a quantity of the first additive to the fluid flow in order to substantially achieve a predetermined concentration.

[0009] Preferably, the system includes a second additive assembly.

Preferably, the second additive assembly includes:

a second pump connected to a second additive; and

a second additive controller being configured to control flow of the second additive being delivered from the second pump to the pipeline,

wherein in response to the pipeline flow sensor detecting the fluid flow in the pipeline, the second additive controller delivers a quantity of the second additive to the fluid flow in order to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration.

[0010] Preferably, the first pump and/or second pump is a positive displacement pump.

[001 1 ] Preferably, the first pump has an adjustable stroke volume.

[0012] Preferably, the first additive controller is configured to adjust a speed of the first pump. Preferably, the first additive controller is configured to adjust the speed of the first pump to a first target stroke rate.

[0013] Preferably, the second pump has an adjustable stroke volume.

[0014] Preferably, the second additive controller is configured to adjust a speed of the second pump. Preferably, the second additive controller is configured to adjust the speed of the second pump to a second target stroke rate.

[0015] Preferably, the first additive controller and/or the second additive controller are configured to determine a flow rate from the pipeline flow sensor.

[0016] Preferably, in response to determining the flow rate from the pipeline flow sensor, the first additive controller is configured to adjust the speed of the first pump to the first target stroke rate in order to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration.

[0017] Preferably, in response to determining the flow rate from the pipeline flow sensor, the second additive controller is configured to adjust the speed of the second pump to the second target stroke rate in order to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration.

[0018] In a further form, the first additive controller and the second controller form an integrated controller. [0019] Preferably, the pipeline flow sensor is a magnetic or other type of flow meter. In a further form, the pipeline flow sensor is a pressure sensor and/or a positive displacement sensor.

[0020] Preferably, the first additive assembly and/or second additive system include an additive flow sensor. Preferably, the additive flow sensor is located downstream of the first pump and/or the second pump.

[0021 ] Preferably, the additive flow sensor is in communication with the first additive controller and/or second additive controller.

[0022] Preferably, in response to the additive flow sensor indicating that the quantity of the first additive being delivered to the fluid flow is different to that required to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration, the first additive controller is configured to adjust the first target stroke rate in order to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration.

[0023] Preferably, in response to the additive flow sensor indicating that the quantity of the second additive being delivered to the fluid flow is different to that required to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration, the second additive controller is configured to adjust the second target stroke rate in order to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration.

[0024] Preferably, the first additive controller and/or second additive controller is configured to adjust the indication from the additive flow sensor with a calibration factor.

[0025] Preferably, the first additive assembly and/or the second additive assembly includes an alarm.

[0026] Preferably, the first additive controller and/or the second additive controller is configured to activate the alarm.

[0027] Preferably, in response to i) the fluid flow in the pipeline being above a predetermined maximum flow rate; ii) the flow of the first additive and/or the second additive being above or below a predetermined flow rate; and/or iii) the supply of first additive and/or the second additive being below a predetermined level, the alarm is activated and/or the flooding system is automatically shut down if so required.

[0028] Preferably, the first additive assembly and/or the second additive assembly includes a permissive switch. Preferably, the permissive switch is configured to disable the alarm.

[0029] Preferably, the first additive assembly and/or the second additive assembly include a pulsation dampener, an adjustable backpressure valve, a calibration device, a test point and/or and isolation tap.

[0030] Preferably, the first additive controller and/or second additive controller are substantially waterproof.

[0031 ] In another form the invention resides in an additive assembly, the assembly including: a pump connected to an additive; and an additive controller being configured to control flow of the additive being delivered from the pump to a pipeline; wherein based on determining a fluid flow rate in a pipeline, the additive controller is configured to deliver a quantity of the additive to the fluid flow in order to substantially achieve a predetermined concentration.

[0032] Preferably, the additive assembly is as described herein with reference to the first additive assembly and/or the second additive assembly.

[0033] In another form the invention resides in a method for pipeline treatment, the method including the steps of: determining a flow rate of fluid in a pipeline; determining a quantity of first additive to be added to the fluid, based on the flow rate, to substantially achieve a predetermined concentration; and delivering the quantity of the first additive to the fluid in the pipeline.

[0034] Preferably, the method further includes: determining a quantity of second additive to be added to the fluid, based on the flow rate, to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration; and delivering the quantity of the second additive to the fluid in the pipeline.

[0035] Preferably, the step of delivering the quantity of the first additive to the fluid in the pipeline includes controlling a first pump to deliver the quantity of the first additive.

[0036] Preferably, the step of controlling the first pump to deliver the quantity of the first additive includes setting a speed of the first pump in order to deliver the quantity of first additive.

[0037] Preferably, in response to determining that the quantity of first additive being delivered from the first pump to the pipeline is different to the quantity required to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration, the method further includes adjusting the speed of the first pump in order to deliver the quantity of first additive required to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration.

[0038] Preferably, the step of delivering the quantity of the second additive to the fluid in the pipeline includes controlling a second pump to deliver the quantity of the second additive.

[0039] Preferably, the step of controlling the second pump to deliver the quantity of the second additive includes setting a speed of the second pump in order to deliver the quantity of second additive.

[0040] Preferably, in response to determining that the quantity of second additive being delivered from the second pump to the pipeline is different to the quantity required to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration, the method further includes adjusting the speed of the second pump in order to deliver the quantity of second additive required to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration.

[0041 ] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a treatment system, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method of pipeline treatment, according to an embodiment of the invention, with reference to figure 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a treatment system 10, according to an embodiment of the invention. The treatment system 10 includes a first additive assembly 100 and a second additive assembly 200. The treatment system 10 also includes a pipeline flow sensor 300 connected to a pipeline 400.

[0044] The first additive assembly 100 and the second additive assembly 200 in this embodiment are typically mounted to a body (not shown). The body includes a base structure and an upstanding structure. The first additive assembly 100 and the second additive assembly 200 are normally located on opposite sides of the upstanding structure.

[0045] The first additive assembly 100 is similar to the second additive assembly 200 but, as discussed further below, there are some differences. The first additive assembly 100 includes a first pump 1 10 connected to a first additive reservoir 120. The first pump 1 10 is a positive displacement pump. [0046] The first pump 1 10 has an adjustable stroke volume and stroke rate. The stroke volume of the first pump 1 10 may be adjusted from Omls to approximately 27mls in the present embodiment. Furthermore, the maximum stroke rate of first pump 1 10 is approximately 144 strokes per minute. On this basis, the first pump 1 10 is configured to deliver a flow rate of the first additive, from the first additive reservoir 120, between 0 Litre/min to approximately 4.0 Litres/min. Moreover, the maximum injection pressure of the first pump 1 10, in this embodiment, is approximately 7 Bar. It would be appreciated that in further embodiments that the above flow rates and pressures may be modified.

[0047] The first additive reservoir 120 includes a first additive in the form of an inhibitor cocktail. The first additive reservoir 120 includes a level indicator (not shown). The level indicator in this embodiment is in the form of a level pressure switch.

[0048] The first pump 1 10 is connected from the first additive reservoir 120 to the pipeline 400 by a hydraulic assembly 130. The hydraulic assembly 130 includes an isolation valve 131 , an inline strainer 132, a pulsation dampener 133, a pressure gauge 134, an additive flow sensor 135, an adjustable back pressure valve 136, a calibration column 137, a tap-off test point 138 and an isolation tap 139.

[0049] The isolation tap 131 and inline strainer 132 are located between the first pump 1 10 and the first additive reservoir 120. The additive flow sensor 135 is located downstream of the first pump 1 10. The pulsation dampener 133 is located between the first pump 1 10 and the additive flow sensor 135. The pressure gauge 134 is located between the pulsation dampener 133 and the additive flow sensor 135. The adjustable back pressure valve 136 is located downstream of the additive flow sensor 135, along with the calibration column 137, the tap-off test point 138 and isolation tap 139. The first additive is injected from an outlet, which is upstream of the pipeline flow sensor 300 in the pipeline 400. [0050] A bypass circuit 140 is connected to the hydraulic assembly 130 in this embodiment. That is, a fluid pipe 141 is connected either side of the first pump 1 10. The fluid pipe 141 is connected downstream of the inline strainer 132 and upstream of the pulsation dampener 133. A valve 142 is connected along the fluid pipe 141 .

[0051 ] The first additive assembly 100 also includes a first additive controller 150. The first additive controller 150 is in communication with the first pump 1 10, the level pressure switch in the first additive reservoir 120, the additive flow sensor 135 and the pipeline flow sensor 300. The first additive controller 150 is also in communication with a system indicator 160. The first additive controller 150 includes a programmable interface, which assists in configuring the additive controller 150 to perform the functions below. The programmable interface also assists in showing parameters associated with first additive controller 150 (e.g. the first pump 1 10 stroke rate, the flow rate related to the pipeline flow sensor 300 etc.).

[0052] The first additive controller 150 is configured to determine a flow rate of fluid flow in the pipeline 400 based on a measurement of the pipeline flow sensor 300. With the flow rate of fluid flow in the pipeline 400, the first additive controller 150 is configured to determine a quantity of the first additive required to be delivered to the fluid flow, in the pipeline 400, in order to achieve a predetermined concentration (i.e. a concentration required to adequately treat the pipeline 400). The predetermined concentration is typically measured in parts per million (PPM).

[0053] The first additive controller 150 delivers the quantity of the first additive required by controlling the speed of the first pump 1 10. In particular, the first additive controller 150 sets a target stroke rate (i.e. target flow rate) and adjust the speed of the first pump 1 10 to the target stroke rate. This allows the quantity of the first fluid to be delivered at a rate to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration. [0054] With the above in mind, it would be appreciated that as the fluid flow rate in the pipeline 400 varies, the first additive controller 150 will recalculate the quantity of the first additive required to be delivered to the fluid flow in order to achieve the predetermined concentration. On this basis, the first additive controller 150 will also adjust the speed of the first pump 1 10, to another target stroke rate, in order to deliver the quantity of first fluid required to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration.

[0055] The additive flow sensor 135 also assists in substantially achieving the predetermined concentration. In particular, in response to the first additive controller 150 receiving an indication from the additive flow sensor 135 that the quantity of first additive being delivered to the pipeline 400 is different to that required to achieve the predetermined concertation, the first additive controller is configured to adjust the speed of the first pump 1 10 in order deliver the quantity of first additive required to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration. As part of adjusting the speed of the first pump 1 10, it would be appreciated that the target stroke rate of the first pump 1 10 is adjusted.

[0056] In addition, as outlined further below, the first additive controller 150 may apply a calibration factor to the indication received from the additive flow sensor 135, in order to achieve a more accurate measurement of the flow of the first additive.

[0057] As outlined above, the first additive controller 150 is in communication with the system indicator 160. The system indicator 160 includes an alarm 60 and a visual panel 162. It would be appreciated that, for instance, the alarm 60 may be incorporated into the visual panel 162. The visual panel 162 includes a stroke indicator 163, a low additive indicator 164 and a process exception indicator 165. The stroke indicator 163 indicates an associated state of the first pump 1 10. For example, with communication from the first additive controller 150, the stroke indicator 163 may indicate that the first pump 1 10 is operating at the target stroke rate.

[0058] The low additive indicator 162 is triggered in response to the level pressure switch indicating that the first additive has fallen below a predetermined level. The low additive indicator 162 may be directly triggered by the level pressure switch or via the first additive controller 150.

[0059] The process exception indicator 165 may be triggered in relation to one or more exception events. For example, in response to the first additive controller 150 determining that the flow through the pipeline 400 is too high, the first additive controller 150 may trigger the process exception indicator 165. The first additive controller 150 may also trigger the alarm 60 in this exception event as well. Similarly, the process exception indicator 165 and/or alarm 60 may be triggered when the first additive flow is too low or too high. Anyone of these exception events may also trigger the first pump 1 10 and/or the pipeline pump 410 to be stopped, as further outlined below.

[0060] The first additive assembly 100 also includes a permissive switch 152. The permissive switch 152 is configured to disable the alarm 60 and/or the process exception indicator 165. This assists whilst the lines of the hydraulic system 130 are being primed and the flooding process is being prepared, as further outlined below.

[0061 ] The second additive assembly 200 is connected to the first additive assembly 100 via an electrical junction including a master override switch 50. The master override switch 50 allows a master stop 55 to be enabled or disabled. In response to triggering the master stop 55, the pipeline pump 410 is stopped. This in turn will stop the flow of the first additive and the second additive as the fluid flow through the pipeline flow sensor 300 reduces to zero and, therefore, substantially no additive is required. [0062] As mentioned above, the second additive assembly 200 is similar to the first additive assembly 100 but there are some differences. In particular, the second additive assembly 200 includes a second pump 210 that is different in size to the first pump 1 10. This is further outlined below.

[0063] Like the first pump 1 10, the second pump 210 is a positive displacement pump. Furthermore, the second pump 210 has an adjustable stroke volume and stroke rate. Different from the first pump 1 10, the stroke volume of the second pump 210 may be adjusted from Omls to approximately 4.42mls in the present embodiment. Furthermore, the maximum stroke rate of the second pump 210 is approximately 100 strokes per minute. On this basis, the second pump 210 is configured to deliver a flow rate of the second additive, from a second additive reservoir 220, between 0 Litre/min to approximately 0.442 Litres/min. Moreover, the maximum injection pressure of the second pump 210, in this embodiment, is approximately 2.07 Bar. It would be appreciated that in further embodiments that the above flow rates and pressures may be modified.

[0064] The second additive reservoir 220 includes a second additive in the form of a dye. The second additive reservoir 220 includes a level indicator (not shown) that is in the form of a level pressure switch. Similar to the first pump 1 10, the second pump 210 is connected from the second additive reservoir 220 to the pipeline 400 by a hydraulic assembly 230. The hydraulic assembly 230 includes an isolation valve 231 , an inline strainer 232, a pulsation dampener 233, a pressure gauge 234, an additive flow sensor 235, an adjustable back pressure valve 236, a calibration column 237, a tap-off test point 238 and an isolation tap 239.

[0065] Like the hydraulic assembly 130, the isolation tap 231 and inline strainer 232 of the hydraulic assembly 230 are located between the second pump 210 and the second additive reservoir 220. The additive flow sensor 235 is located downstream of the second pump 210. The pulsation dampener 233 is located between the second pump 210 and the additive flow sensor 235. The pressure gauge 234 is located between the pulsation dampener 233 and the additive flow sensor 235. The adjustable back pressure valve 236 is located downstream of the additive flow sensor 235, along with the calibration column 237, the tap-off test point 238 and isolation tap 239. The second additive is injected from an outlet, which is upstream of the pipeline flow sensor 300 in the pipeline 400.

[0066] The calibration column 237 in the hydraulic assembly 230 is of a different size compared to the calibration column 137. In particular, the calibration column 237 has a smaller volume compared to the calibration column 137 due to the different flow rates of the pumps 1 10, 210.

[0067] A bypass circuit 240 is connected to the hydraulic assembly 230 in this embodiment. That is, like the bypass circuit 140, a fluid pipe 241 is connected either side of the second pump 210. The fluid pipe 241 is connected downstream of the inline strainer 232 and upstream of the pulsation dampener 233. A valve 242 is connected along the fluid pipe 241 .

[0068] The second additive assembly 200 also includes a second additive controller 250. The second additive controller 250 is substantially the same as the first additive controller 150. On this basis, it would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that, in a further embodiment, the first additive controller 150 and second additive controller 250 may be integrated to form one additive controller.

[0069] The second additive controller 150 is in communication with the second pump 210, the level pressure switch in the second additive reservoir 220, the additive flow sensor 235 and the pipeline flow sensor 300. The second additive controller 210 is also in communication with a system indicator 260. The second additive controller 250 includes a programmable interface, which assists in configuring the additive controller 250 to perform substantially the same functions as the first additive controller 150 above. The programmable interface also assists in showing parameters associated with second additive controller 250 (e.g. the second pump 210 stroke rate, the flow rate related to the pipeline flow sensor 300 etc.).

[0070] Accordingly, like the first additive controller 150, the second additive controller 250 is configured to determine a flow rate of fluid flow in the pipeline 400 based on a measurement of the pipeline flow sensor 300. With the flow rate of fluid flow in the pipeline 400, the second additive controller 250 is configured to determine a quantity of the second additive required to be delivered to the fluid flow in the pipeline 400 in order to achieve a predetermined concentration (i.e. a concentration required to adequately treat the pipeline 400). The second additive controller 250 delivers the quantity of the second additive required by controlling the speed of the second pump 210. In particular, the second additive controller 250 sets a target stroke rate (i.e. target flow rate) and adjust the speed of the second pump 210 to the target stroke rate. This allows the quantity of the second fluid to be delivered at a rate to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration.

[0071 ] With the above in mind, it would be appreciated that, like the first additive controller 150, the quantity of the second additive required to achieve the predetermined concentration will be recalculated by the second additive controller 250 as the fluid flow rate in the pipeline 400 varies. Furthermore, the additive flow sensor 235 also assists in substantially achieving the predetermined concentration by providing the second additive controller 250 with an indication on whether the quantity of second additive being delivered to the pipeline 400 is different to that required to achieve the predetermined concentration.

[0072] The second additive controller 250 is in communication with a system indicator 260. Like the system indicator 160, the system indicator 260 includes the alarm 60 and a visual panel 262. It would be appreciated the alarm 60, the visual panel 162 and the visual panel 262 may be incorporated into one unit. The visual panel 262 includes a stroke indicator 263, a low additive indicator 264 and a process exception indicator 265. The stroke indicator 263 indicates an associated state of the second pump 210. For example, with communication from the second additive controller 250, the stroke indicator 263 may indicate that the second pump 210 is not operating at the target stroke rate.

[0073] The low additive indicator 262 is triggered in response to the level pressure switch indicating that the second additive has fallen below a predetermined level. The low additive indicator may be directly triggered by the level pressure switch or via the second additive controller 250.

[0074] The process exception indicator 265, like the process exception indicator 165, may be triggered in relation to one or more exception events. For example, in response to the second additive controller 250 determining that the flow of the second additive is too high, the additive controller 250 may trigger the process exception indicator 265. The additive controller 250 may also trigger the alarm 60 in this exception event as well. Similarly, the process exception indicator 265 and/or alarm 60 may be triggered when there is no second additive flow. Anyone of these exception events may also trigger the second pump 210 and/or the pipeline pump 410 to be stopped, as further outlined below.

[0075] The second additive assembly 200 also includes a permissive switch 252. The permissive switch 252 is configured to disable the alarm 60 and/or the process exception indicator 265. This assists whilst the lines of the hydraulic system 230 are being primed and the flooding process is being prepared, as further outlined below.

[0076] The pipeline flow sensor 300 in this embodiment is in the form of a magnetic flow meter. The magnetic flow meter is mounted in line with the pipeline 400. The magnetic flow meter outputs a signal which allows the first additive assembly 100 and/or second additive assembly to determine the flow rate of fluid in the pipeline 400. It would be appreciated that in further embodiments, the pipeline flow sensor 300 may be, for example, a pressure sensor or a positive displacement sensor.

[0077] Located to one side of the pipeline flow sensor 300 is the pipeline pump 410. Located to the other side of the pipeline flow sensor 300 is the injection point for the first additive and the second additive. In this regard, the first additive and the second additive are typically located on a low pressure side of the fluid flow in the pipeline 400.

[0078] Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method 1000 of pipeline treatment, according to an embodiment of the invention, with reference to the treatment system 10 in figure 1 .

[0079] At step 1 100, the treatment system 10 is initially calibrated. As part of this calibration process, the stroke volume of the first pump 1 10 and the second pump 210 are set to their respective predetermined values.

[0080] To set the predetermined stroke volumes, a stroke volume adjustment input is adjusted on each of the first pump 1 10 and the second pump 120. In the present embodiment, the stroke volume of the first pump 1 10 is set at approximately 22.5mls and the stroke volume of the second pump 210 is set at approximately 3.26mls. The stroke volume of the first pump 1 10 and the second pump 210 is further verified with the flow and stroke calibration processes below.

[0081 ] The first pump 1 10 and the second pump 210 may be operated manually to prime the hydraulic assembly 130, 230. As part of priming the hydraulic assembly 130, 230, the valves of the 142, 242 of the bypass circuit 140, 240 may be opened.

[0082] The pulsation dampeners 133, 233 require some backpressure to operate effectively. An ideal setting is where the backpressure from each adjustable backpressure valve 136, 236 matches a spring check valve at each injection point of the first additive and second additive, respectively. Accordingly, once the adjustable backpressure valves 136, 236 are adjusted to this approximate setting, the follow calibration processes may take place.

[0083] To verify the correct performance of each additive assembly 100, 200, the stroke volume of each pump 1 10, 210 must be confirmed and then the accuracy of the additive flow sensors 135, 235 must be determined.

[0084] To confirm the stroke volume of each pump 1 10, 210, the pumps 1 10, 210 are set at a predetermined stroke rate (e.g. 25 strokes per minute). When the flow of the additives is running smoothly, flow is directed into each respective calibration column 137, 238. After a predetermined number of strokes, the pumps 1 10, 210 are respectively stopped. Following this, the volume of additive in each column is determined and divided by the number of strokes to determine the stroke volume of each respective pump 1 10, 210.

[0085] As determining the accuracy of the additive flow sensors 135, 235 involves similar processes to confirming the stroke volumes, these processes may somewhat be done currently. However, in this embodiment, the process of determining the accuracy of the additive flow sensors 135, 235 is discussed separately.

[0086] In determining the accuracy of the additive flow sensors 135, 235, the pumps 1 10, 210 are respectively set at a predetermined stroke rate and, once the additives are running at a smooth rate, the additives are diverted into each associated calibration column 137, 237. Following this, the average flow rate of the additive flow sensors 135, 235 is recorded along with the volume of the additive in the calibration column 137, 237 and the time taken to fill each respective column 137, 237. This process is repeated across a number of different predetermined stroke rates. Based on the data collected, a calibration factor is determined in order to correlate a difference, if any, between the flow rate recorded by the additive flow sensors 135, 235 and the flow rate determined based on the volume and time taken to fill the calibration columns 137, 237. The calibration factor may be linear or non-linear depending on the data collected.

[0087] At step 1200, seawater is allowed to enter the pipeline 400 and the pipeline pump 410 is activated. The pipeline pump 410 may be activated by the first additive controller 150, the second additive controller 250 and/or alike. Activating the pipeline pump 410 results in a flow of seawater through the pipeline 400.

[0088] At step 1300, the first additive controller 150 and the second additive controller 250 respectively determine a flow rate of seawater through the pipeline 400 based on measurements from the pipeline flow sensor 300.

[0089] At step 1400, the first additive controller 150 determines a quantity of the first additive to be added to the seawater, based on the flow rate of the seawater, to substantially achieve a predetermined concentration. Similarly, the second additive controller 250 determines a quantity of second additive to be added to the seawater, based on the flow rate of the seawater, to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration. As indicated above, the predetermined concentration is the amount of first additive and/or second additive required to be mixed with the seawater to adequately treat the internal wall of the pipeline 400.

[0090] At step 1500, the first additive controller 150 controls the first pump 1 10 to deliver the required quantity of first additive to the seawater in order to achieve the predetermined concentration. In particular, the first additive controller 150 sets the speed of the first pump 1 10 at a target stroke rate in order to deliver the quantity of first additive required. Similarly, at step 1500, the second additive controller 250 concurrently controls the second pump 210 to deliver the required quantity of second additive to the seawater in order to achieve the predetermined concentration. That is, the second additive controller 250 sets the speed of the second pump 210 at a target stroke rate in order to deliver the quantity of second additive required. The first additive and second additive are delivered into the pipeline 400 are their respective injection points.

[0091 ] With the above in mind, at step 1600, the additive flow sensor 135 provides to the first controller 150 an indication of the flow rate of the first additive being delivered to the flow of seawater in the pipeline 400. Similarly, the additive flow sensor 235 provides to the second controller 250 an indication of the flow rate of the second additive being delivered to the flow of seawater in the pipeline 400. As can be appreciated in view of the above, the indication of the flow rates, related to the first additive and second additive, may be adjusted by one or more calibration factors.

[0092] Based on the indication from the additive flow sensor 135, the first additive controller 150 adjusts the speed of the first pump 1 10 if it is determined that the quantity of first additive being delivered from the first pump 1 10 to the pipeline 400 is different to the quantity required to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration. Similarly, based on the indication from the additive flow sensor 235, the second additive controller 250 adjusts the speed of the second pump 210 if it is determined that the quantity of second additive being delivered from the second pump 210 to the pipeline 400 is different to the quantity required to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration.

[0093] Furthermore, it would be appreciated that when the quantity of first additive and/or the second additive being delivered is different to the quantity required to achieve the predetermined concentration, either one or both of the exception indicators 165, 265 may be activated. The alarm 60 may also be activated. On this basis, as there may be some initial delay in delivering the first additive and/or the second additive to the pipeline 400, when treatment is commencing, the permissive switches 152, 252 may be activated during these initial stages to avoid the exception indicators 165, 265 and/or alarm 60 being activated. [0094] At step 1700, in response to the flow rate of seawater changing, the method returns to step 1300 to form a continuous loop whereby the quantity of the first additive and the second additive required to substantially achieve the predetermined concentration are recalculated and delivered to the pipeline 400.

[0095] At step 1800a, in response to the first additive reservoir 120 and/or the second additive reservoir 220 falling below a predetermined level, the level pressure switch in the associated reservoir 120, 220 sends an indication that triggers the respective low additive indicator 164, 264. In response to triggering the low additive indicator 164, 264, an operator is prompted to replace the additive in the requisite reservoir(s) 120, 220. Once the additive is replaced, the method returns to step 1300 in order to treat the seawater in the pipeline 400. During the replacement of the additive, the pipeline pump 410 may be stop by, for example, triggering the master stop 55.

[0096] At step 1800b, after the flooding process or alike is complete, the treatment system 10 is shut down.

[0097] The treatment system 10 and method 1000 provide an automated chemical injection system that allows computer-controlled additive dosing for pipeline pre-commissioning services, such as flooding. The additive controllers 150, 250 allow the additives in the process to be monitored and delivered to the pipeline 400 in a reliable and repeatable manner. This in turn ensures that the predetermined concentration is substantially being achieved in order to protect the internal of the pipeline 400 from, for example, corrosion.

[0098] The additive controllers 150, 250 accurately control the dosing of the additives to be delivered to the pipeline 400, based on the fluid flow through the pipeline flow sensor 300. Feedback from the additive flow sensors 135, 235 also assists in ensuring that the pumps 1 10, 210 are operating at the correct speed. [0099] The additive controllers 150, 250 are configured to raise alarms associated with each additive product. For example, in response to the first additive controller 150 determining that the flow rate of the first additive is too low, the additive controller 150 may trigger the process exception indicator 165. Furthermore, the additive controllers 150, 250 are configured to provide a readout of pump dosing volumes, actual sampling rates and overall concentration rates (typically measured in PPM).

[00100] The pumps 1 10, 210 can be adjusted to various stroke volumes and frequencies to achieve optimum performance and versatility. In addition, this versatility allows the treatment system 10 and method 1000 to be tailored to individual client requirements.

[00101 ] The pulsation dampeners 133, 233 minimise the pulsing effect on the additive flow sensors 135, 235. This improves the accuracy of the treatment system 10 and method 1000. Furthermore, the calibration columns 137, 237 allow for onsite calibration which reduces downtime.

[00102] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[00103] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[00104] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.