pin 2014-03

MARCH 2014ISSUE 19

the lowdownHDD in NYC

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ISSUE 19 | MARCH 2014

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REGULARS4 From the Editor6 World wrap64 Event calendar64 Advertisers index64 Coming in future issues

PROJECTS IN FOCUS8 Proposed pipelines in Canada

INTERVIEW10 In conversation with Richard Williamson

INDUSTRY NEWS14 DEXPTS: making pigging a real-time event18 Disposable pig transmitter efficiency22 Turbo pumps for Iraqi strategic pipeline24 Practical pigging in Houston25 Pipelines International goes digital

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY26 A pipeline state of mind30 River crossing with Direct Pipe

PROJECTS32 Connecting Italy: the Zimella Cervignano

pipeline project

VACUUM LIFTERS38 Vacuworx: expanding to support the

industry

EVENT REVIEW40 PPIM Houston pulls record crowds

REHAB, REPAIR AND CORROSION44 Conquering subsea corrosion with IFL48 Measuring anomalies with the 3D Toolbox52 Cleaning pig elements: a new concept

53 The EPRS revolution54 Ultrasonic in-line inspection: enhancing

deepwater pre-commissioning

56 Fixing Pipeline Problems

EUROPE REVIEW58 Evolving the east: constructing the

Northern Caspian Pipeline System

60 Controlling wax in the Gudrun Oil Export Pipeline

RISK MANAGEMENT62 Is formal risk assessment helping me?

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CONTENTS

2 PIPELINES INTERNATIONAL | MARCH 2014

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A long, long time ago, when the internet was fresh and young, and Google and its sibling search engines were still babes-in-arms, and Google Chrome was only a twinkle in Larry Pages and Sergei Brins eyes, the editorial office was introduced to a game called Google Roulette. The point was to set Google a search task using a sensible word or phrase (not just random words) to see if this could result in only a single Google result. The editorial team recalls that it got close to success with Arctic pipeline, which produced two search results. Type in the same phrase now and youll get endless references, some of which (thanks to the Urban Dictionary) give us far more information than we want to know. (However, type in north pole oil pipeline and only three results come up, so maybe our talent for Google Roulette is not totally dissipated.)

This rather light-hearted introduction does, however, have a serious and interesting point, illustrated by the number of results search engines provide. Even bearing in mind the sophistication of search engines, the huge increase in results for a search on Arctic pipelines illustrates the point that more and more work is being done in this area. While the Arctic may not be the final frontier of pipeline engineering, it is pretty close, and plans in Canada and Russia to exploit hydrocarbons in this region will soon lead to pipeline construction, both on- and offshore.

The Journal of Pipeline Engineering, Pipelines Internationals sister publication, published a number of papers in a special Arctic issue in 2009, reviewing issues to do with design and how to avoid damage by ice scouring (from icebergs). In the Journals June 2014 issue, Professor Andrew Palmer of the National University of Singapore, and a respected authority on all aspects of Arctic engineering, will publish a review paper to update readers on current thinking. As he points out, substantial reserves of both gas and oil lie under the Arctic seas, and pipelines will be required to bring them ashore and transport them onward to markets in the south. The pace of development will depend on demand and competing sources, such as shale gas and hydrates. There will be some special issues peculiar to the Arctic, notably ice-gouging, strudel scour, subsea permafrost, and sea-ice forces. Several construction methods are

available, and a sensible choice between them depends on ice conditions at different seasons of the year, water depth, and the availability of specialised equipment.

Professor Palmer concludes by pointing out that there is a lot of marine pipeline engineering and construction to be done in the Arctic, even though the ambitious projects proposed in the 1970s seem unlikely to materialise for decades. It will be essential to look for robust and straightforward design and construction engineering techniques that can resist a demanding environment. Climate change may lengthen the season of open water or thin ice, and make it practicable to apply the conventional methods of marine pipeline construction.

The March issue of the Journal is due for publication shortly, and details of this issue and the full archive can be found at www.j-pipe-eng.com

John TiratsooEditor-in-Chief

FROM THE EDITOR

MARCH 2014ISSUE 19

the lowdownHDD in NYC

Pulling the 30 inch pipeline from Jersey City, NJ, to Manhatten, NY. See page 26 for more details

ISSN: 1837-1167

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Editor-in-Chief: John TiratsooManaging Editor: Lyndsie ClarkAssociate Editor: Anna TupicoffJournalist: Josie EmanuelSales Manager: Tim ThompsonSenior Account Manager: David MarshSales Representative: David EntringerCreative Director: Michelle CrossActing Design Manager: Bianca BotterSenior Designer: Katrina RolfeEvents Manager: Luke RowohltPublisher: Zelda Tupicoff

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6 PIPELINES INTERNATIONAL | MARCH 2014 PIPELINES INTERNATIONAL | MARCH 2014 7

To stay informed on this news and more, subscribe to the Pipelines International Update www.pipelinesinternational.com

Transco pipeline receives binding commitmentsWilliams Partners Transco pipeline system has received binding commitments from nine shippers for 100 per cent of the 1.7 million dekatherms of firm transportation capacity under its proposed Atlantic Sunrise expansion project. The project includes 15-year shipper commitments from producers, local distribution companies, and power generators. The project represents infrastructure that will connect new supplies of natural gas in the Marcellus producing region in NE Pennsylvania with growing demand centres along the Atlantic Seaboard in the US. Williams Partners expects to bring Atlantic Sunrise into service in the second half of 2017, assuming all necessary regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner.

Iraq Turkey oil pipeline completeGenel Energy, an independent oil and gas company with exploration activities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has completed the pipeline infrastructure to export Kurdish crude oil to Turkey. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the final phase of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) independent export pipeline infrastructure from Dohuk to Fishkabur was completed and tied-in to the Iraq Turkey Pipeline via a new metering station within the KRI, the company recently announced in a trading and operations update. Since then, commissioning and line-fill operations have been progressing. Test flows commenced in December 2013, and first KRI oil through the new pipeline reached Ceyhan in Turkey early in 2014. Genel expects that the pipeline system will be fully commissioned during the second quarter of 2014, once required upgrades to pumping stations on the KRI section of the pipeline are completed.Ecopetrol awards $US272 million

Colombia contractColombian company Ecopetrol has awarded a multi-year pipeline maintenance contract to the Pipeline Maintenance Alliance. The contract includes works and maintenance for five years on approximately 900 km of oil pipelines in the south of Colombia, with an option for an additional two years. Work was expected to begin in December 2013. The Pipeline Maintenance Alliance is owned by Colombian company Mecnicos Asociados SA (70 per cent) and Mexican company Empresas ICA (30 per cent).

Penspen awarded feasibility study contract for pipelinePenspen has been awarded a contract to undertake a feasibility study for the Kampala Kigali segment of the Eldoret Kampala Kigali Pipeline in East Africa. An initiative of the Kenyan, Ugandan, and Rwandan governments, the pipeline will deliver refined petroleum products from Kampala, Uganda, to Kigali, Rwanda, eliminating the need for current road-tanker transport. Upon completion in 2017, the Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali Pipeline will offer economic and environmental benefits by safely and efficiently delivering petroleum products to countries in East Africa and the Great Lakes Region. The pipeline is one of several projects of the Tripartite Initiative (between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda) that aims to accelerate regional development in the area through investment in infrastructure, trade and economic integration projects.

SOCAR pumps its own oil via BTC pipelineAzerbaijans state oil company has started transportation of its crude oil through the Baku Tbilisi Ceyhan oil pipeline. The pipeline runs from the Azeri Chirag Guneshli oil field in the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has also signed a new agreement with Russian company Transneft. After lengthy negotiations on the resumption of oil transportation via the Baku Novorossiysk oil pipeline, which runs from the Sangachal Terminal near Baku to the Novorossiysk terminal at the Black Sea coast in Russia, SOCAR and Transneft signed a new deal based on mutually beneficial terms and conditions.

Shah Deniz FID paves way for gas link with EuropeThe Shah Deniz consortium recently announced the final investment decision (FID) for the Stage II development of the Shah Deniz gas field in the Caspian Sea, offshore Azerbaijan. This decision triggers plans to expand the South Caucasus Pipeline through Azerbaijan and Georgia, to construct the Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP) across Turkey, and to construct the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) across Greece, Albania, and into Italy. Together these projects, as well as gas transmission infrastructure to Bulgaria, will create a new southern gas corridor to Europe. The total cost of the Shah Deniz Stage II and South Caucasus Pipeline expansion projects will be approximately $US28 billion. 16 Bcm/a of gas produced from the Shah Deniz field will be transported 3,500 km to provide energy for millions of consumers in Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, and Italy. First gas is targeted for late 2018 to Georgia and Turkey, with first deliveries to Europe to follow approximately a year later.

Fortescue announces new WA gas pipeline, transportation agreementFortescue Metals Group has signed a long-term gas-transportation agreement for the delivery of gas to reduce operating costs at its Pilbara operations in Western Australia. Gas will be delivered via the existing Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP) and the new Fortescue River Gas Pipeline (FRGP) to the power station at Fortescues Solomon Hub, 60 km north of Tom Price, WA. The 270 km pipeline will be built, owned, and operated by the FRGP joint venture, owned by the DBP Development Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DUET Group, and TEC Pilbara, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransAlta Corporation. Monadelphous Group has been awarded the construction contract for the pipeline, valued at approximately $US90.2 million, which in turn is expected to save Fortescue approximately $US20.2 million per year, and is set to be operational in early-2015.

WORLD WRAP WORLD WRAP

$US1.87 billion for Canadian pipeline expansionsPembina Pipeline Corporation has reached binding commercial agreements to proceed with constructing approximately $US1.87 billion in pipeline expansions in Canada. The Phase III Expansion is underpinned by long-term take-or-pay transportation services agreements with 30 customers in Pembinas operating areas, and is expected to be in service between late 2016 and mid-2017, subject to environmental and regulatory approvals. The core of the Phase III Expansion will entail constructing a new 270 km, 24 inch diameter pipeline from Fox Creek, Alberta, to the Edmonton, Alberta area, which is expected to have an initial capacity of 320 Mbbl/d and an ultimate capacity of over 500 Mbbl/d with the addition of midpoint pump stations. The total 540 km long expansion will follow and expand upon certain segments of the companys existing pipeline systems from Taylor, British Columbia, southeast to Edmonton to fulfil capacity needs for Pembinas customers, with priority being placed on areas where debottlenecking is essential.


PROJECTS IN FOCUSPROJECTS IN FOCUS

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

Calgary

Edmonton SASKATCHEWAN

MANITOBA

Regina

Hardisty

Winnipeg

Quebec

Montreal

LvisSaintJohn

Ottowa

ONTARIOQUEBEC

Toronto

Moosomin

KitimatFort McMurray

Peace River

Vancouver

Gretna

The National Energy Board (NEB) is the body responsible for regulating interprovincial and international pipelines.

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) represents Canadas transmission pipeline companies.

KEYSTONE XLProponent: TransCanada Corporation

Projected cost: $US5.3 billion

Product: Crude oil

Volume: 830,000 bbl/d

Dimensions: 1,897 km, 36 inch diameter

Projected in-service date: 2015

Will support the significant growth of crude oil production in the United States by allowing American oil producers more access to the large refining markets found in the American Midwest and along the U.S Gulf Coast.

TRANS MOUNTAIN EXPANSIONProponent: Kinder Morgan

Projected cost: $US5.4 billion

Product: Crude oil, condensate

Volume: will increase capacity from 300- 890,000 bbl/d

Dimensions: 1,150 km in length, Diameter: 827 km of 610 mm pipe, 150 km of 914 mm pipe, and 170 km of 762 mm pipe

Projected in-service date: Trans Mountain filed an application with the NEB on 16 December 2013. Filing of the application will initiate a regulatory review of the proposed expansion facilities. If the regulatory application process is successful, construction of the new pipeline could begin as early as 2015/2016. The expanded pipeline would be operational in late 2017.

LINE 9B REVERSALProponent: Enbridge Inc.

Projected cost: $US110 million (Line 9 Project)

Product: Mainly light crude oil. Shippers will be permitted to ship crude oil blends that meet Enbridges quality specifications and filed with the NEB.

Volume: Enbridge is proposing to expand the capacity of Line 9B from 240,000-300,000 bbl/d.

Dimensions: Line 9 is an existing 762 mm diameter pipeline. Line 9B is a 639 km section of Line 9.

Projected in-service date: NEB approved the Line 9B Reversal and Line 9 Capacity Expansion project in March 2014. The reason for the reversal is to take advantage of cheaper western Canadian crude oil in comparison to foreign oil.

ENERGY EAST PIPELINEProponent: TransCanada Corporation

Projected cost: $US12 billion

Product: Crude oil

Volume: Will carry 1 million bbl/d from Alberta and Saskatchewan to refineries in Eastern Canada.

Dimensions: 4,600 km

Projected in-service date: Final regulatory approval expected in Q4 2015; in service 2018.

NORTHERN GATEWAYProponent: Enbridge Inc.

Projected cost: $U 6.5 billion

Product: Petroleum and condensate

Volume: 520,000 bbl/d

Dimensions: 1,177 km

Projected in-service date: NEB recently approved the project, subject to 209 conditions. Enbridge must now seek approval from the federal government, which has 180 days to review the project.

ENBRIDGE MAINLINE EXPANSIONS (LINE 67)Proponent: Enbridge Energy Partners

Projected cost: $US0.4 billion for Line 61 and 67

Product: crude oil

Volume: Alberta Clipper (Line 67) current capacity 450,000 bbl/d, to be expanded to 570,000 bbl/d (first phase), to 800,000 bbl/d in future

Dimensions: Line 67 is a 914 mm diameter pipeline. The Canadian portion is 1,078 km.

Projected in-service date: July 2014 (Phase 1). NEB approval for Phase 2 was granted in February 2014.

CEPA members transport 97% of Canadas daily natural gas and onshore crude oil production from producing regions to markets throughout Canada and the United States.

97%

Pipelines added more than $US7.9 billion to Canadas GDP in 2012. Alberta received just under half of this benefit, followed by Saskatchewan and Ontario.

Alberta (45%)Saskatchewan (19%)

Ontario (16%)

$US7.9 billion

Pipelines sustained an estimated 25,000 full-time equivalent jobs and generated about $US1.7 billion in labour income in 2012.

Of the 25,019 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs supported across Canada:

25,000 jobs

almost 3,000 FTE jobs were created in British Columbia.

Alberta (30%)

Ontario (21%)Saskatchewan (20%)

1853

Pipelines by numbers

$US75 billion3 million 97%115,000 km 830,000 kmCanadas pipeline history

dates back to this date

Value of Canadian crude oil and natural gas exports in 2012 most of which was transported by pipeline

Barrels of crude oil transported by transmission pipelines in Canada every

day the equivalent of 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools

The percentage of Canadian natural gas

and crude oil production transported by

transmission pipelines

Network of underground energy transmission pipelines that operate every day transporting oil and natural gas.

Estimate of Canadas underground natural gas

and liquids pipeline network (gathering, transmission

and delivery lines)

(Source for infographics: The Economic Impacts from Operations of Canadas Energy Pipelines report 2012.)

ADDITIONAL PROPOSED PIPELINES:TransCanada coastal gas link

TransCanada Prince Rupert Gas Transmission

TransCanada MacKenzie Valley

Spectra Energy BC Natural Gas Transportation

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltds North Motney Mainline system

Enbridge Woodland Pipeline Extension Project

Proposed pipelines in CanadaPipelines are booming in Canada, with proposals for more than 14 major new or expanded oil and gas pipeline projects, many currently in the hands of Canadas National Energy Board. Pipelines International looks at some of the major proposed pipelines in Canada.


With a career that has spanned work in the field as a technician and engineer to operational management roles, Richard Williamson is one of the stalwarts of the pipeline industry. The grandson of TDW founder T.D. Williamson, Mr Williamson was

effectively born into the industry, and spent childhood weekends at his fathers office, getting a sense of the business. His first hands-on taste of the industry came during his high school years, when he helped to turn around service equipment that was going out into the field.

An early introduction to industryMr Williamson cites his early exposure to a variety of pipeline

professionals as a source of invaluable insight into the industry.I worked alongside people who cared for pipelines as their

vocation those who worked in the field and the district officers to the project engineers and managers. I was learning the heart of the industry as it is experienced by the people whose days and nights revolved around assuring that the pipeline operated safely and that its customers were being served.

Mr Williamson joined the family business in 1971, and was first introduced to the pigging product side of the business, and then into planning and business development. In 1976 he spent a year in the field as a technician, doing hot tapping and plugging work. Mr Williamson remembers this period as an enriching experience, a chance to work alongside pipeliners and to understand their challenges and uncertainties.

Its truly transforming to have a hands-on sense of how the industry operates. Youre out there helping people, seeing the wide range of issues and challenges that they have to address every single day. It helps you reset your expectations when working directly with all who serve the industry from owners and operators, to people like ourselves who help the pipeline operators build, manage and operate the pipeline safely.

The TDW evolutionThe family business was established by Mr Williamsons

grandfather in 1920, originally founded as an electrical contracting firm serving the emerging petroleum industrys need for power. By 1930, the company had expanded into providing general oilfield products and services.

By the 1930s, pipelines were being built in North America to move crude oil cross-country a new thing at that time directly to major

refining centres. These pipelines required regular cleaning to remove paraffin deposits.

In 1940 the War Emergency Pipeline Office was formed to construct pipelines essential to assure the safe and reliable delivery of crude oil to the major refining centres in the northeast of the US. The Big Inch and Little Big Inch (24 and 20 inch) pipelines were the first of a new generation of large-diameter pipelines, and pipeline scrapers had not yet been developed for that size requirement. TDW was asked to develop a pipeline scraper capable of effectively meeting the needs of the large-diameter piping system.

They needed a better product to scrape the pipe walls. The director of the War Emergency Pipeline Office came to my grandfather and said We need something that can survive the rigours of operating in these larger pipelines and clean much better what can you come up with?

For nearly a century, US-based pipeline services company T.D. Williamson, Inc. (TDW) has been a trusted supplier of pigging, inspection, line intervention, and repair products and services to the pipeline industry. Pipelines International spoke with Chairman of the TDW Board Richard Williamson about the companys beginnings, the importance of getting hands-on experience, and the future of the global pipeline industry.

In conversation with Richard Williamson

INTERVIEW

Chairman of the TDW Board Richard Williamson.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12


critical assets and oversee operations. Increasingly they are saying Can we meet these needs in some other way? and that some other way, over time, has become service companies such as TDW.

A global communityHaving worked on pipeline projects across the globe, Mr Williamson

believes that one of the key challenges is learning to deal with the variety of conditions and differences in pipeline operational needs and management practices.

When we go into a customers location, there will be a blending of the very old and the new, of the latest technology and, of course, a variety of legacy issues. Youll find operating practices that are in various stages of development as they migrate to what they will need to better manage their assets.

The advantage of a company like ours is that having worked with pipeline operators globally for more than 70 years, we have seen and learned to work with a broader range of technologies and operating and management practices. Just as important to us has been the opportunity to work with succeeding generations of leadership among the owner/operators we have learned from them, as well as helping them develop their own next generation of leaders.

Despite the different methods of operation that he has encountered, it is the similarities among industry members that Mr Williamson feels ties the industry together.

I am impressed at how the values and culture of the pipeline operators and the service companies that serve and support them around the world are so close. People may dress and talk differently and eat different things, but when you get down to it, our core values and business cultures are very much aligned. I believe it's because the industry that we are in provides very basic needs to our communities its a real public trust for us all to be able to work in our industry. The companies that have survived as operators and service companies have

done so because they implicitly understand and are committed to our common mission to serve our many communities around the globe.

Working for the future of the pipeline industryWhile he cites sharing and transfer of information as integral to the

pipeline industry, Mr Williamson believes that one of the key challenges for the industry is to continue to foster a focus on knowledge sharing.

Shared knowledge is a challenge in any field knowledge management and transfer really is something that people just have to find a way to do. The opportunity to spend any sort of time on a pipeline, to go out and live the experience as an operator, is so transformational.

Mr Williamson understands the ongoing challenge that the industry faces to train and develop leaders in all technical and operational sectors of our industry.

This mission continues to be shared among the volunteer leadership of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Gas Association, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, National Association of Corrosion Engineers, American Pipeline Institute, and many other professional and trade associations, as well as others that serve to underpin our industry. Our personal and corporate engagement in these associations continues to support continued improvement in operational effectiveness and more importantly, our shared commitment to our common mission to serve our communities well.

Mr Williamson also stresses the importance of collaboration and shared learning between industry and professional associations, providing the opportunity for pipeline professionals to take on important critical projects for study and review. He lists the Pipeline Pigging and Integrity Management (PPIM) Conference as a good example of the industry dialogue that goes on from a pipeline integrity standpoint.

With these sorts of activities you build communities within communities, where intensity of learning and sharing can take place the dilemma in the pipeline industry is theres just not enough of that taking place.

An important part of the challenge of creating communities within the industry, explains Mr Williamson, is cultivating the next generation of pipeline professionals.

You have the subject matter experts, who are the foundation of our industry and provide leadership on matters critical to our companies and to the industry, and then there are those that are maybe five years away from taking on comparable roles. Our challenge as managers is to assure that we continue to provide opportunities for the younger generation to work alongside our senior leaders, so that they can gain experience as well ask the questions that challenge us all to get better. Awareness turns to knowledge, to skill and to mastery but none of us really know what the roadmap is like. Part of the challenge is that we have come out of a period of large numbers the Baby Boomers. Theres no way well have the time or the people to replace them in the next decade, following the same career development model that we experienced.

And for these newcomers to the industry, Mr Williamsons advice is succinct: Get out of the office and learn the industry for yourself.

My grandfather assigned the mission to my father and a young engineer who had recently joined our company. They started by talking to the pipeline operators to better understand the challenges, began looking for new solutions, and came up with the steel, mandrel-bodied tool we know today as the pipeline pig.

It was at this point that TDW moved away from the electrification business and forged itself as a pipeline service company, maintaining its commitment to customer service and to creating innovative solutions to address the industrys more critical needs.

Then, as now, we just listen to our customers and develop products and services to help them solve their problems, says Mr Williamson.

The 1950s saw the introduction of hot tapping and STOPPLE plugging as a unique and innovative solution to support line intervention needs of the domestic and increasingly international transmission pipeline markets.

Under my grandfather's continued leadership, we formed a manufacturing and service company in Canada, and intensified our efforts to get to know key international pipeline operators better. We also began a dialogue with key gas distribution operators in the US, Canada, the UK, and France that led to the later develop of the SHORTSTOPP system as a solution for line intervention needs of medium-pressure pipeline systems, explains Mr Williamson.

Work for the next several decades included working on a number of major global projects, such as the high-pressure gas grids in the UK and

the Netherlands, as well as working on pipelines in France, Russia, North Africa, the Middle East, India and Australia. TDW was also present at various stages of development of pipelines in Japan and South Korea, as they began to bring in LNG from the Middle East.

It was during these years that my father took over the reins of the family business, recalls Mr Williamson, and together with A.B. Steen and others that led our technical, marketing and operating teams, began to build the life-long partnerships with pipeline operators across the globe that have been a key part of TDW's history.

In his many years in the industry, Mr Williamson has seen the industry change, and believes service companies such as TDW face an ever more critical role in todays pipeline industry, whose future continues to be driven by the global economics of the energy industry.

Ageing pipe, more construction and operating challenges, and rising expectations as well as economic challenges for the operator mean that they cant do everything by themselves that they used to do. Roles are shifting, and more outsourcing is occurring, explains Mr Williamson.

The pipeline industry is substantially self-funded. It is an ongoing challenge for operators to meet the maintenance and capacity expansion needs of their customers. Whether they are regional, national or international pipeline operators, their ability to fund and operate their business is becoming more and more limited. They have to be more particular about what they invest in, not only in terms of pipe in the ground, but also the processes and people that manage the

INTERVIEWINTERVIEW

Its truly transforming to have a hands-on sense of how the industry operates. Youre out there helping people, seeing the wide range of issues and challenges that they have to address every single day. It helps you reset your expectations when working directly with all who serve the industry from owners and operators, to people like ourselves who help the pipeline operators build, manage and operate the pipeline safely. RICHARD WILLIAMSON, TDW BOARD CHAIRMAN.

Founded in 1920 by T.D. Williamson Sr., The Petroleum Electric Company eventually became the pipeline services company now known as TDW.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10


DEXPTS, a real-time pig-tracking system, provides an information basis for decision-making by operators and pig-tracking engineers, and reduces manpower requirements. In case of a stuck or lost pig, the recorded data will reduce time and costs spent on search operations.

DEXPTS capabilities DEXPTS consists of several mobile field

units, an internet platform, and any computer or laptop with access to the internet. The installation of the system requires the brick-sized DEXPTS units to be placed along

the line at variable intervals. A magnet-mounted vibration sensor is connected to the pipeline or any fixed structure on the pipe, and a pressure sensor can also be connected.

Once installed, the field units will go into sleep mode, and will be remotely awoken by the operator when the first pig-run starts. In active mode, the field units will start collecting and analysing vibration data. After processing, relevant vibration information and pressure data will be sent to a server through the mobile phone network.

The data is displayed in real time on the user interface, which allows the operator to

monitor vibration and pressure information from several field units at the same time. Via the user interface, all units can be switched to active, stand-by, or sleep modes. The web-based user interface has an integrated log, allowing the operator to document all relevant operational notes, and also allows third parties to monitor the pig run when required.

Vibration information reveals each joint-weld or feature passed by the pig, from which the actual speed can be derived. Pig stops, short-pipe spools (such as bends), and valve stations can also be identified.

During a pig-run, information on current speed and position of a pig is crucial. Dutch pipeline operator Gasunie and manufacturer Dexter have developed a system to provide this information continuously and in real-time to the operators.

DEXPTS: making pigging a real-time event

INDUSTRY NEWS

The passage of a pig past pipe welds.




Pressure information indicates the differential pressure over the pig, and is also a clear signal of when a pig stops.

Once a pig passes a field unit, the abrupt rise in pressure is a clear indicator of pig passage.

DEXPTS in a nutshell:

Provides real-time information on position and speed of the pig: Supports operational decision making

during a pig run; Supports learning/improving operations

each subsequent pig run.

A secure database with vibration and pressure data can: Direct (costly) search operations, and is an

insurance premium; Automate of the tracking process; Improve objectivity; Reduce manpower requirements; and, Enable other parties (such as the dispatch

department) to monitor pig-run progress.

INDUSTRY NEWS

S Y S T E M S O L U T I O N S B V

DEX PTS Exib PIG Tracking System

DEXPTS eld

Internet cloudserver

Laptop

Laptop

Bakkenzuigerstraat 401333 HA AlmereThe NetherlandsP.O. Box 600631320 AB Almere

Tel: +31 (0)36 - 53 68 216Fax: +31 (0)36 - 53 67 161E-mail: [email protected]: www.dexter.eu

P T S B . V .

For more information on the DEXPTS by Dexter, visit www.dexter.eu

DID YOU KNOW?

Since 1999, Dexter has come across many situations where no ready-to-use solutions were available and something new had to be developed. As a response to these missing links in the industry, Dexter started creating its own solutions and, eventually, producing these on a regular basis. Dexter has been the manufacturer of a continuously expanding line of dome cameras for hazardous areas since 2005.

The web-based user interface.


In the pipeline industry, three things matter: effectiveness, availability, and cost. Pigs Unlimited International offers all three, with the new line of disposable pig transmitters a solution to some of the many problems of the conventional transmitters on the market today, all with a price range of $US320 to $US500.

In the past, most operators would rent expensive transmitters to manage job costs. Typically, rental is charged by the day, and is sometimes upwards of $US100 a day. The problem is that the transmitter may only be used once for a short period, but it can sit on the job site for days or weeks, proving costly for companies.

For close to the cost of a rental, it is now possible to own a transmitter which can be re-used for as long as the battery lasts.

Lets face it damage to rental equipment is frequent. Operators often end up paying the price of a brand new conventional unit due to damage or loss. Pipeline operations and locations are hard on everything, with transmitters often lost, left, or destroyed at job sites.

The number-one reason a transmitter is used is so that if the pig becomes stuck, the operator can readily locate it. Would you want thousands of dollars stuck in the pipeline? What about those disappearing pigs we all hear horror stories about? The ones that seem to

Within an industry that is ever-advancing, it seems new technology is everywhere. New products, new designs, and new ideas seem to be all of the buzz. It is rare that a company hits the nail on the head, and gets it right an economical solution that works.

Disposable pig transmitter efficiencyBy Ryan Sikes, Outside Sales, Pigs Unlimited, Houston, TX, USA

INDUSTRY NEWS

DISPOSABLE TRANSMITTERS Up to 1,000 Hours of run time Continuous or Pulsed Signal Buy for the price you would rent Fully sealed and U/L rated explosion proof Lower financial liability of damaging transmitter Maintenance free

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MD $500

SD $400

X-SD $320

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www.pigsunlimited.com



INDUSTRY NEWS

vanish. Do you really want thousands of dollars in rental equipment to vanish with it?

Dont let the word disposable scare you the functionality is equal to, or exceeds, regular transmitters. Designed with efficiency in mind, the life of the transmitters can be conserved and used for multiple runs by simply inserting them into their storage containers.

Depending on size, they are capable of running for up to 1000 hours, which is twice the battery life of conventional transmitters. Just because it is a new design does not mean that it is a new concept. The general technology of all transmitters is the same they transmit a signal, which is picked up by a receiver.

So whats different? Pigs Unlimiteds disposable transmitters and all of their components are encapsulated in a U/L rated, explosion-proof body, giving you not only the safest transmitter that money can buy, but the most reliable. There are no batteries to change, O-rings, threads, or parts to maintain or be concerned with, making the disposable transmitters the only true maintenance-free transmitter on the market.

In the ever-changing pipeline industry, it is good to stick to companies that you trust to provide a product that does what it is supposed to and Pigs Unlimited has been providing just that for 20 years.

To find out more about Pigs Unlimited, visit www.pigsunlimited.com

A Pigs Unlimited sealed transmitter.

A conventional unit that was breached by fluid in the pipeline, causing total failure.



The contract was undertaken by Ruhrpumpen and Siemens AG in favour of the main engineering, procurement, and construction contractor Progetti Europa & Global SpA (PEG) for the supply and installation of turbo pump trains powered by Siemens SGT-400 gas turbines. The Iraq Oil Projects Co. (SCOP) will hand over the station to the client, South Oil Co (SOC), after a successful run.

The pumps will be installed at the new Habbaniya (PS4) station located along the Iraqi Strategic Pipeline, enhancing the transfer of crude oil to terminals and storage destinations.

Both of the pumps type ZLM I 530/08 have a flow of 24,656 gallons per minute, and a head of 505 m, with a rated power of 10,326 horsepower. The pumps were successfully tested at the Ruhrpumpen manufacturing plant in Germany, and have already been delivered to

the client. The pre-test operation was conducted in March 2013, and the pumps will be in operation by the end of March 2014.

With its new project in Habbaniya, Ruhrpumpen is proud to expand its partnership with the Iraqi oil and gas industry. Ruhrpumpen has worked extensively in Iraq for more than 40 years, and this latest contract will further the countrys progress in resource management by facilitating the efficient transfer of crude oil.

A multi-million dollar contract has been awarded to Ruhrpumpen to provide two turbo pumps for the crude oil pumping station in Habbaniya, Iraq one of many pumping stations worldwide that utilises Ruhrpumpen pipeline pumps.

Turbo pumps for Iraqi strategic pipeline

INDUSTRY NEWS

For more information, contact Angie Gallegos at [email protected], or visit www.ruhrpumpen.com

The turbo pump.

www.halfwave.comHalfwave AS | Fjordveien 1 | NO-1363, Hvik | Norway | Phone: + 47 95 81 86 80 | Email: [email protected]

Halfwave_PINMarch14_FP.indd 1 11/03/14 12:15 PM


Generously hosted by Greene's Energy Group (GEG) who along with Inline Devices provided the pigs that were used on the course, the programme of lectures and practical demonstrations for the course had been put together by Peter Smith and Nancy Leek of UK-based consulting engineer Penspen in the UK. This edition of the course followed on from a series of similar courses held elsewhere in Houston and at CTDUTs research facility in Rio de Janeiro, where it had first been run in April, 2010.

The newly constructed test loop at GEG is formed from 335 m of 6 inch standard wall piping rated to 100 bar working pressure and 138 bar test pressure. The loop, constructed during 2013, includes 3D bend radii, a 37 m underground section, two replaceable 3 m spools for deflect detection, and the option of using vertical launch and receive traps; it has also been designed to include various features for equipment and instrumentation hook-up. Speaking recently, GEG Vice President Tom Sawyer said We are pleased to open a pipeline training and test loop operation. This new facility reinforces our commitment to proactively providing continual education and training to the energy industry as a whole.

As with previous editions of the course, the programme combined classroom lectures and practical demonstrations of running a number of tools, from foam and cleaning pigs to Inline Devices magnetic flux leakage (MFL) tool. Delegates were able to see for themselves the issues involved with accurate pig tracking (its not easy!), as well as witnessing the commissioning and decommissioning of the intelligent tool, and the subsequent real-time interpretation of its survey results. For half a day during the course programme, the delegates went off-site to visit Inline Devices nearby facility, where they were given a detailed introduction to the companys range of MFL and other inspection equipment, which they later were able to see in action.

One of the unique aspects of the GEG test loop is its vertical launch-and-receive tower. The design of the loop cleverly accommodates the ability to rapidly reconfigure launching and receiving from the horizontal to the vertical traps, and delegates were able to witness the MFL tool being launched from the 10 m high tower, simulating conditions on an offshore platform.

While, for safety reasons, it is not appropriate for delegates in this course to operate the pig traps themselves, it is clear that the course provides a very useful overview of all that goes into organising and running real tools in real situations. Pig traps and their design and operation can be explained in detail, pigs can be examined before and after runs, and further activities such as actual pig tracking and location of above-ground markers (AGMs) can be undertaken in practice. The programme, put together by Penspen, provided ample opportunity for detailed questions and discussion, and as a result influenced also, perhaps, by GEGs delicious parting barbecue delegates left feeling that the five-day course had given them a valuable insight into the world of real pigging.

FLIPBOOK

Mid-November 2013 saw the Practical Pigging Training Course, organised by Tiratsoo Technical and Clarion Technical Conferences, being held at Greenes Energy Groups test loop in Houston, USA.

Practical pigging in HoustonBy John Tiratsoo, Editor-in-Chief, Pipelines International and Journal of Pipeline Engineering.

INDUSTRY NEWS

In January 2012, only 0.02 per cent of readers accessed the Pipelines International website via mobile device. In January 2014, 15 per cent of readers accessed our website with a smart phone or tablet.

Its evident that the way people use technology is changing rapidly, and responding to these changes is a crucial part of maintaining relevance to your audience in a digital age.

Creating a digital magazine to run alongside our hardcover publication is about giving our readers and advertisers options. The digital version provides a catalogue of accomplishments and products for those in

the industry to show to clients and co-workers what their business is achieving.

The digital version not only responds to the changing consumer behaviour of wanting a way to review publications digitally, but also offers a number of practical solutions, such as: Easy to reference when on-site or when the

hardcover publication isnt available Contains search functionality to look-up

projects, people, or products quickly

Invites readers to be prosumers, sharing articles they like on social-network sites

Encourages readers to click with ease onto supplier pages, directories, and other external reference points. Readers can view the magazine from an

iPad, iPhone, or a device using the Android operating system (in Flash), as well as their trusty PC or laptop.

Pipelines International has created a digital magazine to complement the hard-copy publication, opening up a digital platform with new opportunities for companies to interact and develop relationships with their clients.

Pipelines International goes digital

This issue of Pipelines International is the third edition of the magazine also available as a digital copy. Make sure you subscribe to our enewsletter at www.pipelinesinternational.com/newsletter to receive notifications on when each digital edition of the magazine will be available.

Contact Pipelines International to discuss the combined print and digital strategy that would best serve your company. Phone Lisa Feagan on +61 3 9248 5100 or email [email protected]

THE NEXT EDITIONS OF THE PRACTICAL PIGGING TRAINING COURSE IN 2014:

31 March4 April at Greenes Energy Group, Houston35 June at KTN, Norway (slanted to offshore pigging activities)1719 June at A.Hak, Netherlands (slanted to onshore pigging activities)15 September at CTDUT, Rio de Janeiro

Pig tracking the traditional way.

Delegates at Inline Devices having the MFL tool explained to them; on the floor is an AGM that is being used to demonstrate how the tool sees it as it passes by.

The MFL tool being launched into the vertical pig launcher. The tool is encased in a non-magnetic cassette to prevent magnets holding it in the trap.

PIPELINES INTERNATIONAL | MARCH 2014 2726 PIPELINES INTERNATIONAL | MARCH 2014

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

Construction of the New Jersey New York Expansion Project, an extension of Spectra Energys Texas Eastern and Algonquin Gas Transmission systems, began in July 2012, with the pipeline becoming commercially available on 1 November 2013.

The project consisted of the construction of approximately: 24 km of new 30 inch diameter pipeline; The replacement of approximately 8 km of

12 inch diameter and 20 inch diameter pipeline, with new 42 inch diameter pipeline;

The construction of new meter and

regulating stations; and, Modifications to existing facilities.

The NJNY Expansion Project was needed to address energy demand growth, deliver cost savings and economic value, and to address the environmental imperatives of the region. The pipeline directly benefits New Jersey, a state that will require an additional 850 MMcf/d of natural gas by 2019.

Minimising impact on residentsSpectra Energy spent the five years prior to

construction speaking with stakeholders and officials, planning, designing, and

constructing the pipeline, to ensure it was completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

The project team held more than 350 meetings with government officials, agencies, municipal officials, landowners, community organisations, and key stakeholders to solicit the communitys input and get a real sense as to how the pipeline could be constructed with minimal disturbance to the community.

As a result, Spectra Energy made numerous changes and designed the project route, which runs entirely through commercial and industrial areas, to avoid direct impact on

The first new natural gas pipeline to be built into Manhattan in more than 40 years, the New JerseyNew York Expansion Project is designed to bring customers in the region 800 MMcf/d of natural gas supplies, as well as economic and environmental benefits. Pipelines International speaks with Spectra Energy about contending with New York Citys roadways and waterways along the pipelines right-of-way, and the use of technology and safety features that resulted in a successful, state-of-the-art project.

A pipeline state of mind


residential properties. Underground construction, specifically horizontal directional drilling (HDD), allowed the company to design a pipeline route through the densely populated urban areas with minimal impact on the community. The technique also added an additional layer of safety due to the depth that the pipe is buried below the grounds surface.

Challenges of the big citySpectra Energys engineers were asked to

work within limited space to reduce the impact on the community, to work co-operatively with numerous utilities and transit authorities, and to construct beneath some of the most robust commercial waterways in the world.

One-third of the pipeline route was designed using HDD technology which helped the company construct the pipeline below waterways without impeding the traffic flow on the Hudson River or the Kill Van Kull, and other critical waterways. Spectra Energys Kill Van Kull HDD is the longest 30 inch HDD in

North American history at just over 2,469 m. Another major engineering feat was the pipeline crossing beneath the Hudson River into Manhattan.

The project was constructed within public roadways and commercial/industrial areas, and parallel to existing utility rights-of-way.

The first step for in-street construction was to co-ordinate the work with each municipal Police Department. Proper traffic control was then installed, and traffic was detoured or directed around the construction area during the installation process according to traffic-management plans filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The working area along any street was typically 244 m to 305 m long, and met the requirements of the municipal road-opening permits that were issued for the project. All construction activities were limited to the section, and the work area moved along the street as construction advanced and while normal traffic continued.

Pavement over the proposed trench was cut and removed, and the trench was then

excavated using a combination of a backhoe and hand shovelling to dig around existing utilities. Once completed, the pipe was installed, welded (with each weld x-rayed for quality), and then coated with impervious material. All existing utilities that were exposed during excavation were supported at their existing elevations to avoid damage, and this support was maintained until the backfill of the pipeline trench was completed.

No trench was left unprotected overnight, as the trench was backfilled or steel plated to ensure public safety. Control density fill (CDF), also known as flowable fill, was used to fill the trench to 12 inches over the pipe. The backfill was compacted properly to roadway specifications to ensure the roadway supported the traffic load.

A successful operationThe NJNY Expansion Project was

constructed to federal regulations and industry standards, and uses advanced, high-resistant, steel and modern safety features, including remote-control valves and

The platform installation to support the Hudson River horizontal directional drill in Jersey City, New Jersey.




the ability to use robotic in-line monitoring devices. With over three million man-hours of work, the project compiled a total recordable safety incident rate of 0.79, which is below the pipeline construction industry standard of 1.3.

Successfully completing this pipeline is a testament to our ability to secure, permit and execute on large and complex growth projects, explains Spectra Energy President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Ebel.

Weve built the first natural gas pipeline into Manhattan in more than 40 years, one that will supply the region with safe, affordable, clean, domestic natural gas. Completing this pipeline is a great accomplishment, and one in which our team can take great pride.

A lasting effect on energy costsPrior to the completion of this project,

New Jersey residents were paying about 3.5 times more for energy than their neighbours in Pennsylvania. Natural gas produces 45 per cent less carbon dioxide than coal and 30 per cent less carbon dioxide than fuel oil, so when natural gas replaces these sources of energy, the air will be much cleaner. Spectra Energy estimates that this project will eliminate 6 MMt/a of carbon dioxide by using cleaner-burning domestic natural gas the equivalent to taking one million cars off the road. Air pollution does not respect state boundaries so the environmental effects of burning fuel oil in New York City make their way into New Jersey, too.

The NJNY Expansion Project also helps solve the regional bottleneck constraints that cause spikes in natural gas and electricity prices. The project provides enough safe, reliable energy to heat the equivalent of more than an additional two million homes per day.

The natural gas in this pipeline will warm homes, cook food and keep businesses running in New Jersey and New York for years to come. Customers in the region could save $US700 million in energy costs each year while also replacing fuel oil with domestic and cleaner-burning natural gas, said Spectra Energys President US Transmission and Storage Bill Yardley.

The tide began to turn as soon as the project commenced flowing natural gas

in fact, it began the day before it went into service. On 31 October 2013, natural gas prices in Manhattan were nearly 40 cents cheaper than in Louisiana something that hasnt occurred in eight years. The Spectra Energy pipeline has effectively doubled the amount of natural gas flowing into Manhattan, and lower natural gas prices should encourage a welcome shift away from fuel oil heating towards cleaner, more efficient natural gas.

PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION DELIVERS ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY

As part of Spectra Energys cultural resource assessment work associated with the NJ NY Expansion Project, the company discovered a remarkable archaeological site, dating back at least 5,000 years, designated the Old Place Neck Site. With painstaking care, the Spectra Energy Project team excavated more than 557.42 square metres, uncovering a unique timeline of the regions history from Native American tribes to colonial Dutch settlers to 18th- and 19th-century activity. In all, more than 24,000 artifacts were recovered, ranging from stone tools to cooking utensils and ceramics.

The discovery adds a new and noteworthy dimension to the archaeological record of New York City, which, due to its vast urbanisation, has been relatively under-documented. Analysis of Native American artifacts from the site included radiocarbon dating, examination of residues and use wear on stone tools, and soil samples all of which contribute to a more complete account of New York Citys past.

In the spirit of sharing the lessons of history, Spectra Energy developed a multifaceted public outreach and education programme, telling the story of this exciting discovery and the areas rich past via video, school lesson plans, educational materials, and interpretive museum displays.

The Kill Van Kull HDD 30 inch pipe string and site layout.


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twinned with a new 36 inch diameter pipeline and the Cold Lake mainline from La Corey to Hardisty will be twinned with a new 42 inch diameter pipeline. In total, approximately 400 km of new pipeline will be added to the Cold Lake system.

On the Polaris system, a major new 30 inch diameter pipeline will be constructed from the

Edmonton area to the Christina Lake oil sands project. In addition to this approximately 340 km new-build project, 100 km of smaller diameter pipelines will be constructed to provide connections to the Foster Creek and Narrows Lake oil sands projects and several diluent receipt points at the Edmonton market hub.

into the borehole. The thrusting system is designed to maintain the integrity of the pipe and pipe coating while thrusting. The borehole is supported continuously by the product pipe, and with lower fluid pressures and volumes, the Direct Pipe method is favoured over other trenchless applications in unconsolidated shallow installations.

Michels Direct Pipe installation complements its existing tools for trenchless crossings and pipelaying for installations of 3060 inch diameters in the US and Canada.

The Cold Lake and Polaris expansion programme, which was announced in July 2012, was formalised with the signing of binding Transportation Services Agreements in early 2013. The system expansion will provide blended bitumen transportation service from the production areas to Hardisty, Alberta, and diluent transportation services from Edmonton to three major oil sands projects in the Christina Lake area.

On the Cold Lake pipeline system, two new pump stations are being added at the Foster Creek production site, and a new pipeline connection will be built to the Narrows Lake oil sands development. In addition, the existing Foster Creek extension will be

The Beaver River installation is part of the Inter Pipeline Cold Lake and Polaris Expansion programme, which includes installation of approximately 840 km of underground pipeline and seven pump stations, and is located approximately 20 km NE of Bonnyville, Alberta, Canada.

The Direct Pipe method was first used in 2007 to cross the River Rhine in Germany. Unlike horizontal directional drilling (HDD), Direct Pipe is a single-pipe installation that combines microtunnelling and a thrusting system to directly install the product pipe. It is an efficient method for use on projects where

geotechnical challenges would not be a good fit for HDD, such as unconsolidated sand, gravel, and cobbles; or where access is limited at both sides of a crossing.

Michels and project partners Inter Pipeline and Complete Crossings Solutions had started preliminary design and planning close to a year before beginning work on the project in August,2013. Site set-up was completed in approximately two weeks and Michels broke-through to exit on 2 September (the Labour Day weekend).

Michels used the Direct Pipe system that combined a Herrenknecht pipe thruster with a

Herrenknecht microtunnelling machine. The system is operated from the surface by an operator who monitors and corrects alignment changes and simultaneously controls the tunnelling head and thrusting unit. The cutting head and product pipe are kept within pre-determined design parameters. The microtunnelling head removes material from the cutting face and returns it to a cleaning plant that separates mined material from the drilling mud, which is recycled back to the cutting head.

A gripper thrust system clamps onto the pre-tested 42 inch product pipe and pushes it

Michels Canada completed the first installation using the Direct Pipe method in Canada when it completed a 342 m crossing under the Beaver River.

River crossing with Direct PipeBy Patrick ODonoghue, Michels Trenchless Crossing Manager/Direct Pipe, Calgary, AB, Canada

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

The Herrenknecht microtunnelling machine which formed part of the Direct Pipe system.

Pipe ready for installation.

View of the site works from afar.


The project involves the construction of a natural gas pipeline across the Po Valley River in northern Italy, which aims to strengthen the national transport network as part of the Snam Rete Gas Network Programme.

Streicher is constructing pipeline spreads 2 and 3 of the four spreads being contracted by Snam Rete Gas. The project is split into a series of operations; the new pipeline that is being constructed will replace the existing pipeline and have a larger diameter than its predecessor, and the adaptation of the lines of various diameters will guarantee connection to new energy users.

Streicher began construction of spread 3 in November 2012, while spread 2 began in November 2013. The company expects to complete both pipeline spreads by the end of 2015.

Project scopeThe 56 inch Zimella Cervignano pipeline

has a total length of 170 km, with a steel grade of EN-L450/MB, equivalent to API 5L grade X-65. The pipes are spirally welded, and have internal and external coatings. The external coating is polyethylene-based, with a thickness of 3.0 mm.

Streichers contracts comprise construction of the pipelines in the table on the next page.

Po Valley: the new energy centreThe Zimella Cervignano project will

strengthen the existing facilities from east to west along the Po Valley by increasing pipeline transport capacity. This infrastructure will connect the sources of supply located in the NE and central north regions of Italy, with the natural gas consumption centres and storages in the NW regions. The project will provide an increased supply of gas to enhance the local supply sources of the NW region.

Energy consumption in the NW of Italy amounts to more than 40 per cent of the annual national consumption, while supply sources located in the region do not exceed

The largest pipeline in Italy, the Zimella Cervignano Pipeline Project, is currently under construction by Max Streicher S.p.A.

Connecting Italy: the Zimella Cervignano pipeline project

PROJECTS


Streicher is carrying out two sections of a 56 inch pipeline for SNAM Rete Gas. This is the biggest pipeline project that the company has ever undertaken.


PROJECTS


Up to 350 workers are involved in the construction, of which 200 are Streicher employees.

20 per cent of the countrys total.Energy operators are turning their focus to

the NE and central north regions of Italy to ensure future demand coverage, so the transport of natural gas across the Po Valley is expected to increase in the coming years.

With this in mind, the increase in transport capacity along the Po Valley will ensure flexibility of supply in the NW. For technical reasons, and due to the progressive urbanisation of the Emilia, Veneto, and Lombardy areas, the gas pipeline will also replace the existing 34 inch Tarvisio Sergnano pipeline and the 30 inch Sergnano Mortara pipeline, both of which are located in the area.

A unique pipeline projectThe Po Valley is one of the most urbanised

and populated regions in Italy; the majority of the Italian industrial production takes place in the area, in addition to agricultural production which includes vineyards, orchards, vegetables, corn and wheat. This has affected the design and construction of the pipeline project.

The agricultural activities require substantial irrigation. This presents challenges when establishing the pipeline right-of-way and trenching for pipeline construction, as many farmers still use the ancient field-flooding technique to irrigate, which


Main Pipeline (56 inch) : Spread 2 L = 42.37 km DN 1400 (56 inch) DP (differential pressure) = 75 bar

Spread 3 L = 53.1km DN 1400 (56 inch) DP = 75 bar

Secondary Pipelines: Spread 2 L = 21.66 km of various diameters

Spread 3 L = 24.47 km of various diameters

Removal of existing lines: Spread 2 L = 37.77 km DN 850 (34 inch)

Spread 3 L = 52.32 km DN 850 (34 inch)

The pipes are 56 inches in diameter.

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PROJECTS

means the area is characterised by damp soil. Damp soil represents a big challenge:

Streicher chose to use drainage where soil conditions allowed, and wells for the remaining sections of the pipeline route. This technique required deployment of a large number of dewatering pumps.

In addition, a large number of archaeological sites of interest from prehistoric, Roman, and medieval times have since been discovered within the right-of-way.

Ensuring safety on the lineDue to the highly populated area through

which the pipeline route passes, considerable importance has been placed on taking health, safety, and environment (HSE) measures to mitigate the impact of the project on the population and the environment. To manage this, Snam Rete Gas has contracted a specialist company to monitor the environmental impact of the project.

Some of the safety techniques put in place by Streicher in the construction of spreads 2 and 3 are based on the subsoil features. The subsoil consists of a simple structure, composed of continuous layers of sand, gravel, silts, and clays, all with variable thicknesses which contribute to the formation of the regions aquifers. For this reason, Streicher decided to use sheet-piling for all trenches deeper than 3.5 m, where it is not possible to provide a trench with sloping sides.

To ensure hazard prevention during the welding process (both semi-automatic and manual welding are being used) Streicher is also using welding helmets with powered air-purifying respiratory systems to protect welders during welding, cutting, and grinding, as well as providing clean, filtered air for long work shifts.

Obstacles overcomeMore than 100 crossings in less than 95 km

of the main 56 inch pipeline required alternative installation methods, as the pipeline construction route crossed existing infrastructure such as pipelines, streets, highways, and railways, and natural

obstacles, such as rivers and protected areas. All of these crossings required trenchless techniques in order to preserve the subsurface and minimise the impact of the project on the surrounding environment.

The trenchless crossings on spreads 2 and 3 include the following: 90 thrust borings 4 stainless steel micro-tunnels 7 concrete micro-tunnels 2 direct-pipe drills

The direct-pipe drilling project is considered the most challenging phase of the Zimella-Cervignano Pipeline. This technique

was implemented after the refusal by the park authority to allow laying of approximately 1,500 m of pipe across an environmentally-protected area. Streicher proposed the innovative trenchless solution using two direct-pipe drills of 750 m each and a junction point inside the protected area.

Direct-pipe drilling is a unique technique developed by Herrenknecht, combining the advantages of microtunnelling and HDD technologies. The prefabricated pipeline is installed and the required borehole excavated at the same time, which allows an efficient and economic installation of the pipeline.

The soil in the region south of Lake Garda is pebbly and sandy, but primarily damp, which requires considerable preparation prior to laying the pipeline.


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Pipe handlers with a task at hand get excited about what were building, Mr Solomon says, adding that he understands what new opportunities will mean to the vacuum-lifting equipment industry. Hes ready to do the heavy lifting without cutting corners, because its always about safety and taking care of people.

When we start talks with large contractors, most of them tell us that when going after a job, they are presented with an introductory questionnaire covering who they are, their sales, and the positions of their support teams. Weve created a business model that speaks to what contractors are doing, regardless of where they are at in the world the demand is there.

Vacuworx recently announced plans to invest $US10 million in a training and outreach facility to better serve local customers, as well as distributors and international clients who visit the manufacturers US plant and headquarters.

From financing and rental options to customer service and no-holiday parts departments the smallest component to a finished piece of equipment contractors depend on access to proper resources in their local communities, explains Mr Solomon.

Once a customer tags the work, he needs the equipment yesterday. If a manufacturer says sure, Ill get it to you in six to 12 weeks, then excitement tends to wane. If someone needs 15 vacuum lifters and pads, were capable of meeting that demand and want to be ready for more. Were ready for what were creating and the industry were helping to develop.

With new entry points forming for pipeline contractors in established and emerging markets around the world, decision-makers who rely heavily on skilled labourers outfitted with the appropriate tools also depend on solid relationships and steadfast resources.

As demand for oil transportation and other pipeline utilities heats-up worldwide, Tulsa-based Vacuworxs President and CEO Bill Solomon says his vacuum-lifting technology company is committed to doubling down on expanding inventories and developing distribution networks in North America, Australia, Europe, and wherever the industry leads.

Mr Solomon, who strives to keep the wheels of pipeline-related commerce turning as fast and efficiently as possible, founded Vacuworx in 1999 to help contractors safely move all sizes of pipe and other materials in and around staging areas and along rights-of-way. The

company designs both its RC and MC line of lifters to make use of a vacuum tank beam that doubles as a spreader bar, along with a reservoir tank, a rotator, and vacuum pads capable of handling just about any diameter of coated or non-coated pipe.

The machines attachable to carriers such as excavators, cranes, and wheel loaders boast lifting capacities from 320 tonnes, and have been reported to increase load and unload cycles in multiples of seven, or even 12, compared with traditional material-handling methods.

Mr Solomon is determined to lead the way in what he says is still a young industry with enormous potential for growth. He notes that for his customers, the days of stringing and installing pipe via hooks, hoists, and choker belts are long gone. Vacuworx has tripled the size of its inventories over the past three years, and today operates in the US, Pacific Rim, Canada, Latin America, Africa, and Europe.

VACUUM LIFTERS

Laying the groundwork to move precious natural resources is rigorous work that requires a firm grasp on the latest techniques to handle sound business decisions, as well as physical terrains that span hundreds, even thousands, of miles.

Vacuworx: expanding to support the industry

VACUUM LIFTERS

FASTER. SAFER. SMARTER.

+1-918-259-3050 | [email protected] | vacuworx.com 10105 East 55th Place, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74146 USA

Vacuworx provides the safest heavy-duty vacuum lifting equipment in the industry.

Our products cut project times in half with a fraction of the ground personnel required by conventional methods. Vacuworx helps

you work... Faster. Safer. Smarter.

PI_V_Half_MAR.indd 1 2/12/14 12:44 PM

For more information Vacuworxs products, visit www.vacuworx.com

Vacuworx lowering pipe into a line.

A train being unloaded by Vacuworx.

PIPELINES INTERNATIONAL | MARCH 2014 41

EVENT REVIEWEVENT REVIEW


Organised by Clarion Technical Conferences and Tiratsoo Technical (a division of Great Southern Press), the Pipeline Pigging and Integrity Management Conference and Exhibition (PPIM) was held from 1013 February 2013 at the Marriott Westchase, Houston, Texas, USA.

The best and brightest in the pigging industry gathered at the only event in the world that is tailored specifically to the pigging industry. The event has a unique structure of training programmes, a two-track, two-day conference programme, and an exhibition, that allows the whole pigging

industry to gather in one place. With the support of Platinum Sponsor

Rosen, Gold Sponsors SGS PfiNDE, NDT Global, RCS, and Silver Sponsors A.Hak Industrial Services, N-Spec Pipelines Services, and Halfwave, the event attracted a record number of delegates and trade visitors.

In-depth training courses preceded the conference and exhibition, providing attendees with the technical knowledge required to ensure the safest pipeline infrastructure. The conference and exhibition officially commenced with an Exhibition Opening Reception on Tuesday night, at which

exhibitors and delegates enjoyed a drink and networking with companies and attendees, sponsored by Platinum Sponsor Rosen.

A conference programme like no other

PPIM delegates packed-out the Marriott Grand Ballroom on Wednesday morning, eager to hear the first papers on the Conference programme.

Clarions BJ Lowe and Tiratsoo Technicals John Tiratsoo welcomed everyone to the conference, thanking the delegates for their continuous support. Rosen Executive Vice

This years 26th annual Pipeline Pigging and Integrity Management Conference and Exhibition was the biggest yet, with more than 2,200 attendees, 29 presentations, 26 nations represented, and an extended exhibition holding a record 108 company exhibitors.

PPIM Houston pulls record crowds

President of Marketing Florian Mauerer also spoke, noting how impressed he was with the passion and enthusiasm that was shared by all of the conference attendees, and commented on the privilege he felt to be a member of an industry that clearly exhibits a commitment to the care of its assets, its employees, but most importantly, to the communities that rely on the important work carried out by those attending PPIM.

We, Rosen, really want to share the passion we have in helping asset owners and operators meet safety and compliance best practices and industry requirements, protecting the life of the asset and, where possible, extending that life to maximize the return on investment by optimising the assets operational efficiency and performance, Mr Mauerer said.

For the first time in this series of events, delegates experienced a multi-track conference programme, designed to allow discussion of a wider variety of topics concerning pipeline

Rosen Executive Vice President of Marketing Florian Mauerer addresses conference delegates.


BJ Lowe addresses event attendees. A PPIM conference speaker addressing the crowd.

PIPELINES INTERNATIONAL | MARCH 2014 4342 PIPELINES INTERNATIONAL | MARCH 2014

EVENTS REVIEWEVENTS REVIEW

management and engineering. Topics included new technologies, case studies, management systems, integrity and data assessment, and risk management.

A bustling exhibitionThe Exhibition included three lively

exhibition halls featuring all of the latest pipeline inspection technology, rehabilitation and maintenance equipment, including cleaning and calliper pigs, ILI tools, brushes, non-destructive testing equipment, and more. The Exhibition gave delegates and trade visitors one-on-one contact with pipeline pigging and inspection equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

Attendees were able to form new partnerships by speaking first-hand with company representatives who could provide tailored advice to specific queries.

Kicking off the Exhibition was an opening reception on Tuesday evening sponsored by Platinum Sponsor Rosen, at which exhibitors and delegates enjoyed a drink and quality networking with companies and attendees.

The Exhibition was also the host to an evening reception on Wednesday sponsored by Gold Sponsor NDT Global, which allowed for

Head to the Pipelines International website to see all the photos from the 26th PPIM Conference and Exhibition!

[email protected]

www.ppimhouston.com

A hands-on demonstration at the Exhibition.

The Pipelines International team.


colleagues and friends to catch up, and also make new connections in a relaxed setting. Exhibiting companies included Quest Integrity Group, A.Hak, Allan Edwards, Applus RTD, CDI, Precision Pigging, Milbar, Enduro, GE Oil & Gas, Girard Industries, Mears Group, NDT, Rosen, STATS Group, and TD Williamson.

See you at PPIM 2015!The next PPIM Conference will be held

from 912 February 2015 in Houston, Texas. Companies are already signing-up for

prime exhibition space, eager to be a part of the biggest event on the pigging and integrity management calendar.

Make sure you dont miss this opportunity to be amongst all the major pigging, in-line inspection, and integrity management service providers in one place.

Contact Clarions BJ Lowe or visit the PPIM website to find out how you can be involved.

Attendees enjoying the lively Exhibition.


A hands-on demonstration at the Exhibition.

In-depth training courses preceded the conference and exhibition, providing attendees with the technical knowledge required to ensure the safest pipeline infrastructure. The conference and exhibition officially commenced with an Exhibition Opening Reception on Tuesday night, at which exhibitors and delegates enjoyed a drink and networking with companies and attendees.

Attendees networked at the bustling Exhibition.


The projects starting point involved testing an existing nominal 8 inch Kevlar-reinforced plastic liner, produced and manufactured by Raedlinger in Germany for the utility market. Although this material had not previously been used for lining subsea pipelines, the general liner matrix demonstrated many of the physical attributes that are necessary requirements for success: High tensile and good physical properties; Moderate chemical resistance; A high degree of flexibility; and, The ability to be manufactured and

spooled in long lengths.

Liner qualification and development

The qualification of the liner was undertaken in accordance with the API Recommended 15S Qualification of Spoolable Reinforced Plastic Line Pipe (first edition March 2006), with further reference to the applicable ASTM test standards, API 17 series, and NACE standards. The testing and qualification procedures were undertaken in a number of locations in Germany, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates.

The final enhanced IFL matrix is comprised of a Solvay Solexis PVDF inner liner, a tightly woven aramid core, using Duponts Kevlar fabric, and an outer layer of abrasive-resistant thermoplastic polyurethane from BASF. Other versions of the liner are available for less-aggressive service conditions, such as water reinjection and gas transmission.

All the principal objectives of the project were fulfilled, and a new enhanced version of the IFL has now been developed. Performance testing has been undertaken which has justified the use of IFL in aggressive, hot, sour hydrocarbon service conditions of up to 120 degrees Celsius, with the liners exhibiting a stand-alone burst capability of up to 120 Bar.

Industry motivationThe majority of subsea pipelines are

constructed from carbon steel, and are laid by laybarge, during which single or double joints of steel pipe are welded together and lowered to the seabed. After completion of the welding process, crews on the barge m

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