The Challenge

A 3.5-kilometre pipeline, a stubborn blockage, and ultimately no flow whatsoever. The client’s challenge was clear: how do we get the pipeline fully operational again? Previous attempts to locate and remove the blockage had not delivered the desired result. Mourik was brought in to find a solution. By deploying Hydrokinetics, the team succeeded in clearing the blockage and fully restoring the pipeline’s original flow capacity.

The solution

Based on the situation, Mourik opted for Hydrokinetics, a specialised cleaning technique designed to clear fully or partially blocked pipelines. This method uses water under high pressure combined with pulsating pressure waves to loosen contamination and move it through the pipeline. Compared with traditional high-pressure cleaning, the technique uses significantly less water. In addition, the work can be carried out without dismantling the pipeline. Hydrokinetics thus offers an effective solution for complex blockages in pipework.

Targeted approach to an unknown blockage

An additional challenge was that the exact location of the blockage was unknown. The pipeline was therefore gradually filled and pressurised to build up the backpressure needed to deploy Hydrokinetics effectively. After approximately an hour and a half, the backpressure dropped, signalling that the blockage had been cleared and flow through the pipeline had been restored.

Upon completion of the work, the final test was carried out. The pipeline was put back into service and flow was measured. The result: the pipeline once again achieved its full original design flow capacity.

This project demonstrates how specialised cleaning techniques can make the difference when dealing with complex blockages. By combining the right technique with a targeted approach, Mourik was able to resolve a stubborn problem and return the pipeline to full operational status.