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Technology > Overview The most highly optimised and efficient systems in the world are those which occur in nature, as they have continuously evolved over millions of years; it is logical therefore for engineers to seek to extract these good ideas and implement them in other applications - this is the science of Biomimetics of which Platelet Technology® is an excellent example. Platelets in the blood stream are constantly patrolling your veins and initiate the mechanism for sealing cuts and wounds in the human body; Platelet Technology® takes this concept and adapts it for use in industrial applications. The technology utilises the fluid flow inside a pipeline to deliver specially designed Platelets® to the leak site. When the Platelets® reach the vicinity of a leak, fluid forces entrain them into it and hold them against the pipe wall; this facilitates sealing, and also marks the position of the leak for subsequent detection. Platelet Technology® takes a radically different approach to pipeline integrity in that it seals and then locates leaks in a single integrated process. Whereas conventional leak sealing techniques require direct access to the leak site, the elegance of Platelet Technology® lies in its ability to be implemented remotely, mimicking the human body to work with the pressure in the line and seal from the inside. Crucially, Platelets® are best deployed when there is flow in the line, so they can be implemented as part of a routine pipeline operation causing minimal disturbance to production. When a leak is located, the Platelet® has already provided a seal so that a decision to maintain flow or to shutdown can be made in the context of a known controlled leak. The key features of Platelets® are that they: • Seal and locate leaks in a single integrated process thus reducing leak lifetime and consequential environmental damage. • Are implemented remotely so direct access to the leakage point is not necessary. • Require no disturbance to pipeline operation meaning costly shutdowns may be avoided. • Provide an alternative means of investigating suspected leaks. • Buy additional time for the operator to determine an appropriate course of action in the case of sudden leakage. Visit the section Video Clips to see footage of pipelines being sealed using Platelet Technology™. Although the concept of Platelet Technology® is elegant in its simplicity, underpinning the theory is an extensive use of Computational Fluid Dynamics in conjunction with Finite Element Analysis and over five years of rigorous physical testing. When presented with a new application Brinker Technology use the following engineering process to deliver a solution. A model of the defective pipeline geometry is created using Computational Fluid Dynamics which enables all conditions in the line, such as pressure, flow rate and fluid density and viscosity to be accurately simulated. Discrete particles, which represent Platelets®, are then introduced into the pipeline and their behaviour around the leak monitored. This modelling generates invaluable information about Platelet™ dispersion and entrainment rates which facilitates Platelet® design and statistical analysis. Finite Element Analysis is used to model the behaviour of entrained Platelets® in position over a leak. This enables the effect of stresses and strains which the Platelet® will experience to be monitored and is a key tool when selecting the optimal material for Platelet™ manufacture. Using the information obtained from these numerical modelling processes, Platelets® are manufactured and subjected to rigorous physical testing. If results of physical tests support those obtained analytically and numerically then there can be a high level of confidence in the solution. Another important area in the development of a Platelet® solution is material compatibility research. The conditions within many high pressure/high temperature pipelines are highly aggressive and a Platelet® material must be selected which can withstand these conditions for the required seal duration. In emergency situations, Brinker Technology use the knowledge obtained from previous operations to fast-track this engineering process to provide the client with the best possible solution within the timeframe available. An example of this was an emergency response application carried out for Shell in August 2005 where we were able to deliver a solution within 5 days from initial contact.