dzԹ

Skip to main content

TDW performs live maintenance on West Africa pipe

Published by , Senior Editor
World dzԹ,


Performing maintenance or repair on a live crude export pipeline can be a daunting task. The steps dzԹ from product removal and depressurising to flooding, to de-watering the line dzԹ can be risky, costly, and complicated.

During the recent replacement of two emergency shutdown valves (ESDVs) on one of its production platforms offshore West Africa, the operator dzԹ an independent Anglo-French oil and gas company dzԹ not only avoided those difficulties, but also maintained production and ensured increased safety through topside pipeline isolation for both valves. The operation on two 8 in. and 12 in. incoming risers integrated multiple isolation methods, including industry-standard double block and bleed technology.

The double block and bleed technology provided by T.D. Williamson (TDW) allows two independent seals to enter the pipeline through a single hot tap opening, reducing the total number of fittings and hot taps required. A bleed port between the two seals then allows for pressure and product evacuation, which means workers performing welding or pipe cutting downstream, are separated from the linedzԹs pressurised contents.

dzԹAlthough proper planning and co-ordination are requisite for all offshore operations,dzԹ says Fernando Pimenta, TDW Project Co-ordinator, dzԹisolating topside on a production platform presents a number of unique, logistical challenges.dzԹ

For example, due to the limited amount of workspace on the platform, the isolation equipment had to be positioned directly below the ESDVs, through a complex network of scaffolding and lifting tools. The location of the valves meant that all the equipment was operated while positioned horizontally near the surface of the water, just a few metres from the splash zone.

Throughout the four-week ESDV replacement, the operator successfully maintained production at a safe operating pressure of 15 bars via bypass.

Edited from source by

Read the article online at: /equipment-and-safety/09072015/tdw-performs-live-maintenance-on-west-africa-pipe/

You might also like

 

 The World dzԹ Podcast

A podcast series for energy professionals featuring short, insightful interviews with experts who can shed light on topics that matter to you and your business. Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to start listening today.

     

 

 
 

Embed article link: (copy the HTML code below):