Large, live line rehab project requires detailed planning

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Pipe Line Industry; (United States)

OSTI ID:7047514

Leeds, J M ^[1]; Catley, M G ^[2]

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1. Pipeline Integrity Management, Burnely (United Kingdom)
2. Serviced Ltd., Slough (United Kingdom)

Corrosion mitigation and ongoing monitoring and maintenance procedures represented an integral part of an extensive refurbishment program on 373 mi of live, high-pressure natural gas pipe lines in South Australia. Selective refurbishment was initiated after significant coating failure was identified and five pipe line failures due to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) had occurred. Two of the most severe were on a 20-in. mainline. The problem was somewhat aggravated by pipe lines being buried in some of the most corrosive soils in existence. With few of the lines looped, it was decided to repair the lines, where possible, live and operating at standard 1,250 psi. The only concession was shut down of lines with SCC history. The project, which required six-years to complete, was considered the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Safety was a major consideration at every level of responsibility. All work was controlled daily with 24-hour job permits. Contractors and inspectors had continuous radio contact with the pipe line operations staff. The result was an excellent project safety record and no damage was inflicted on the pipe. Part 2 included a discussion on the techniques used to refurbish the gas lines, including site cleaning and grading, trench excavation, exiting coating removal and coating repair and backfill. Part 3 is a discussion on the project's quality control, defects, redesigning cathodic protection, establishing regular coating surveys and project costs.

• OSTI ID: 7047514
• Journal Information: Pipe Line Industry; (United States), Journal Name: Pipe Line Industry; (United States) Vol. 77:4; ISSN 0032-0145; ISSN PLINAH
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
032000* -- Natural Gas-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
42 ENGINEERING
420205 -- Engineering-- Transport & Storage Facilities-- (1980-)
AUSTRALASIA
AUSTRALIA
CATHODIC PROTECTION
CORROSION PROTECTION
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
MAINTENANCE
NATURAL GAS
PIPELINES
RETROFITTING
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
TRANSPORT