Challenges and Lessons Learned of Commissioning Large Diameter Watermains

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Wildschut ◽  
Bill Turner
Keyword(s):  
Large Diameter ◽  
Lessons Learned

Simple but Effective: A Case History Demonstrating Enhanced Performance and Simplified Logistics from New Rotary Steerable

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco A Aburto Perez ◽  
Anurag S Yadav ◽  
Steven R Farley
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Modular Construction ◽  
Case Histories ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Local Content ◽  
Local Supply ◽  
Manufacturing Assembly ◽  
Target Depth

Abstract Based on input from key operators in the Middle East region, a new rotary steerable system (RSS) was launched after a compressed development schedule. This paper describes the development and introduction of the larger tool sizes needed for both onshore and offshore hole sections, including hole sizes from 12 in. and up, in the Middle East. It also outlines the deliberate design of the tool for local assembly and repair. Large diameter (9-1/2 and 11 in.) RSS designs used an existing, smaller design for Middle East applications in both offshore and onshore wells as a basis. When designing these new sizes, engineers took note of lessons learned with smaller sizes of the tool and incorporated design elements for local manufacturing, assembly, and repair. The resulting simple, modular construction enables increased levels of local content and provides for significant reductions in transportation, and therefore associated emissions. Of course, although local content and sustainability are highly desirable, performance is essential, and this paper describes case histories demonstrating how well the new tool worked in real-world Middle East applications. In one notable example, the newly introduced 9 1/2-in. diameter RSS was used to drill an offshore section in the Gulf of Arabia. The tool was mobilized after two older generation RSS had become stuck for days. Consisting primarily of argillaceous limestone, the formation had a history of stuck-pipe events. The new RSS was recommended for this application because of a slicker construction, with a fully rotational bias unit, minimal bottom hole assembly (BHA) stabilization, and an optimized junk slot area, which together help to reduce stuck-pipe risks. The tool drilled to the target depth in a single run, thereby achieving all directional requirements. Notably, after reaching the target depth, the assembly was tripped out of the hole without any requirement for backreaming. This seamless exit, in turn, indicated achieving a smooth wellbore. Other case histories demonstrate results with both new sizes of this tool. The paper also discusses in detail the ability to repair locally and engage the local supply chain. Specifically with Middle East applications in mind, a new, simple RSS design in large diameter versions has demonstrated success in offshore and onshore applications across the region. The design has also proven capabilities for manufacturing and repair local to operations, which enables maximizing in-country value, optimizing use of the tools, and energizing local supply chains.

Large Diameter Pipeline PLEM Design for Remote, Arctic Application

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeroen Timmermans ◽  
Ian Luff ◽  
Nicholas Long
Keyword(s):  
North Sea ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Cost Driver ◽  
Pile Foundations ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Normal Operation ◽  
Operating Life ◽  
Wide Range

While subsea production template and manifold designs have come to be dominated by standardized solutions tailored for specific hardware, the design of Pipeline End Manifolds (PLEM) remains largely project-specific. Nevertheless, some trends in PLEM design for large-diameter pipelines in moderate water depths have emerged in the past years in the North Sea and elsewhere; namely, large stand-alone structures on suction pile foundations with diverless spoolpiece tie-ins. This arrangement has proven successful on numerous projects; however, the move to remote arctic fields of significant production capacity and long design life introduces new design drivers that warrant a “fresh approach” to PLEM design. The developments currently being considered for the arctic will have to deal with: - Remote location making mobilization of installation assets a significant cost driver such that separate installation of pipeline and PLEM is relatively unattractive - Harsh conditions and short weather windows for installation favoring designs that reduce the number of separate installation steps and vessels - Poorer access for maintenance and repair during the operating life favoring designs that are modular and that allow recovery of critical components using the smallest possible intervention vessels. When combined with envisioned field production lives of 40 to 50 years, this means a very different set of design drivers will apply to the PLEM design. This paper presents an alternative PLEM design developed to overcome these challenges by: - Integrating of the PLEM with the pipeline to work around current industry limitations for large diameter diverless tie-in connector systems and to minimize ROV rotated sealing surfaces subsea in normal operation, - Introducing plug technology to remove the critical dependence on long-term trouble-free performance of large bore valves, - Introducing driven pile foundations to reduce structure size, prevent long-term settlements and eliminate the need for separate pipeline support frames by maintaining the pipe centerline close to the mudline, - Modularizing the system such that key components (all remaining valves) can be retrieved without complete shutdown of flow and such that installation / intervention can be performed using a wide range of vessels, and - Incorporating lessons learned from the successful design of a North Sea vertical diverless pig launcher unit. This paper presents an overview of the alternative PLEM design and discusses the status of the technologies required.

Aging Management Program of Large Diameter Safety Class Piping

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claude Faidy
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Thermal Ageing ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Ageing Management ◽  
Fatigue Corrosion ◽  
Systematic Program

Ageing management of Nuclear Power Plants is an essential issue for utilities, in term of safety and availability and corresponding economical consequences. Practically all nuclear countries have developed a systematic program to deal with ageing of components on their plants. This paper presents the ageing management program developed by EDF (Electricite´ de France) that are compared with different approaches in other countries, like IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)guidelines and GALL (Generic Ageing Lessons Learned) report. The paper presents an example of application to large diameter safety class piping. Different degradation mechanisms are considered fatigue, corrosion and thermal ageing. Maintenance and surveillance actions are also discussed in the paper.

Big Pipe—Tight Quarters: Lessons Learned from Large Diameter Urban Pipelines

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan C. Hutson ◽  
Russell L. Gibson ◽  
Jared Barber
Keyword(s):  
Large Diameter ◽  
Lessons Learned

Inspection and Prioritization Methods for Small Diameter Auxiliary Piping

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Pecush ◽  
Mark McTavish ◽  
Brian Ellestad
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Pipeline System ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Model Sets ◽  
Pump Stations ◽  
And Storage

To serve the pumping and storage needs of its customers; Enbridge operates more than 25 terminals and 150 pump stations across North America. In each of these facilities, small diameter (NPS 6 and smaller) piping is used in auxiliary systems including instrumentation, measurement, and product re-injection. Traditionally, in the design of facilities, this small piping has received less attention than large diameter process lines and, during construction, has typically been field run based on standard installation details. This, in conjunction with 65 years of changing design and construction philosophies, as well as asset acquisitions, has resulted in a wide variety of installation configurations across the Enbridge liquids system. The Small Diameter Piping Program in the Facilities Integrity group centrally manages the integrity of all small diameter auxiliary piping across the Enbridge liquids system. Historically, the management and remediation of small diameter systems has been based on addressing specific installation types identified through incident investigations. While generally effective at minimizing re-occurrence, this approach has been limited in its ability to proactively identify installations that should be addressed. In support of our goal of zero incidents, Enbridge has developed a proactive methodology for the inspection and prioritization of small diameter auxiliary piping. Installation types are evaluated on their susceptibility to specific damage mechanisms. An inspection and prioritization model was developed through the combination of internal lessons learned and prioritization methodologies outlined in industry publications, specifically those from the overseas oil and gas industry. This model, sets a standardized process to assign a likelihood of failure (LOF) score to individual small diameter installations of specific types and/or functions. Presently, likelihood of failure scores are used to identify installations requiring remediation, and to most effectively prioritize system-wide remediation activities. Over time, these scores will also be used to demonstrate an overall reduction in the likelihood of failure for small diameter piping in the Enbridge liquids pipeline system.

Inline Inspection Decisions and Results Using an Integrated Technology for a Baseline Inspection Program on a Large Diameter High Pressure Gas Transmission and Interconnect System

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Westwood ◽  
Arti Bhatia
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Metal Loss ◽  
Pipeline System ◽  
Pressure System ◽  
Integrated Technology ◽  
Pressure Transmission ◽  
Transmission Pipeline ◽  
Integrity Management

The Alliance Pipeline System consists of 2664 Km of NPS 36 high pressure transmission pipeline and 339 Km of NPS 42 high pressure transmission pipeline. The mainline systems are connected by lateral and interconnect pipeline sections ranging in diameter from NPS 4 to NPS 24. The pipeline system extends from northeast British Columbia to Illinois. The Trans border nature of the pipeline means that it needs to satisfy both the Canadian and US regulatory requirements related to pipeline integrity management. Part of the approval process for the pipeline system was that it had to be inspected on a regular basis with a baseline inspection program to be initiated upon start-up of the pipeline system in 2000. This paper outlines some of the unique challenges the high pressure transmission pipeline presented to both the operator and the inline inspection (ILI) vendor in developing a successful in line inspection program. It discusses the vendor selection criteria used by the pipeline operator and the design process undertaken by the ILI Vendor to meet the requirements of this unique pipeline system. By the end of 2004, the mainline sections in Canada and the US will have been inspected as well as most of the smaller diameter interconnect and lateral system. Results are presented from the ILI inspection of both the high pressure system and the smaller diameter system. While the inspections have used Magnetic Flux leakage (MFL) Technology to detect metal loss features, the use of integrated technology in particular the inertial navigation system aboard the vendor’s inspections tools has allowed geometric features to be detected as well. Lessons learned from both the operator and the ILI Vendor will be presented on the execution of the inline inspection program as well as discussion on ways of ensuring that the ILI process goes smoothly and if not how to address these concerns.

scholarly journals A Review of Challenges and Opportunities Associated with Bolted Flange Connections in the Offshore Wind Industry

Metals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 732
Author(s):  
Ali Mehmanparast ◽  
Saeid Lotfian ◽  
Sukumara Pillai Vipin
Keyword(s):  
Large Diameter ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Offshore Wind ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Load Path ◽  
Bolted Connections ◽  
Onshore Wind ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Bolted Flange ◽  
Offshore Wind Industry

The use of bolted flange connections in the offshore wind industry has steeply risen in the last few years. This trend is because of failings observed in other modes of joints such as grouted joints, coupled with enormous economic losses associated with such failures. As many aspects of bolted flange connections for the offshore wind industry are yet to be understood in full, the current study undertakes a comprehensive review of the lessons learned about bolted connections from a range of industries such as nuclear, aerospace, and onshore wind for application in offshore wind industry. Subsequently, the collected information could be used to effectively address and investigate ways to improve bolted flange connections in the offshore wind industry. As monopiles constitute an overwhelming majority of foundation types used in the current offshore wind market, this work focusses on large diameter flanges in the primary load path of a wind turbine foundation, such as those typically found at the base of turbine towers, or at monopile to transition piece connections. Finally, a summary of issues associated with flanges as well as bolted connections is provided, and insights are recommended on the direction to be followed to address these concerns.

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