Flags gas-line sediment removed using gel-plug technology

Journal Article · Mon Oct 26 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5204659

Scott, P R; Zijlstra, K N

A gelled-water and scraper system was used to remove approximately 350 ton of mill scale and other debris from the 450-km (280-mile) long, 36-in. OD Flags gas line extending off shore from St. Fergus in NE Scotland to the Brent field in the northern North Sea. Batches of plastic fluids (gels) and pipeline scrapers (pigs) were used to remove loose and loosely adhering rust, silt, and welding rods, weld slag, and other debris from the pipeline. The gels were shear-thinning bingham plastic fluids which exhibit a significant yield strength or yield value. The Flags cleaning operation went smoothly, as scheduled, and essentially without incident. Displacement of the water fill in the pipeline, which contained dyes, an inhibitor, and a biocide, was a concern, and all water-making equipment in the Brent field was shut down during its discharge. However, no lasting effects could be found by seawater analysis a few days after completion of the operation.

• OSTI ID: 5204659
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 79:43; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
032000* -- Natural Gas-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CLEANING
COLLOIDS
DESCALING
DISPERSIONS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EUROPE
GELS
MAINTENANCE FACILITIES
NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
NORTH SEA
PERFORMANCE
PIPELINES
SEAS
SURFACE FINISHING
SURFACE WATERS
UNITED KINGDOM
WESTERN EUROPE