Freeze plug proves safe, economical in riser repair
- Exxon Co. U.S.A., New Orleans, LA (United States)
In October 1992, Exxon Pipeline Co., Houston, performed in the Gulf of Mexico what the company believes to have been the first underwater freeze-plug procedure. To form a plug, water in a small section of the pipe is frozen with liquid nitrogen. In partially replacing a 10-in. riser at South Marsh Island Block 6A, Exxon Pipeline worked closely with a freeze-plug service company to minimize environmental and personnel exposure and to avoid the chance of an oil spill. The freeze plug reduced the time the pipe was open-ended during the repair, and hydrotesting the freeze plug area and repair section ensured integrity. The paper describes onshore testing of the procedures, pre-work surface cleaning, and the freeze-plug procedure.
- OSTI ID:
- 40357
- Journal Information:
- Oil and Gas Journal, Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal Journal Issue: 18 Vol. 93; ISSN OIGJAV; ISSN 0030-1388
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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