TPi November 2015

Fi t t ings , f langes , valves & connectors

Emergency shutdown valve replacement A new case study, titled Valve Replacement: Using Non-Intrusive Isolation Technology to Minimize Production Downtime , describes how double block and monitor isolation technology enabled the operator of a spar platform located 200 miles off the coast of Louisiana to successfully replace a leaking emergency shutdown valve (ESDV) on a gas export pipeline. including full decommissioning, hot tapping and plugging, and non-intrusive solutions such as double block and monitor technology. The double block and monitor isolation has become standard due to its excellent safety record and ability to decrease downtime.

a more comprehensive knowledge base, and educate the next generation of oil and gas professionals. “Today, solutions to operational issues are highly specialised, and it’s not always easy to know what will be the best fit,” said Mr Lie. “The industry should always find ways to share new technology and methods to carry out repairs without compromising safety. We must also ensure that this information is collected, catalogued, and made accessible to all who can benefit.” TDW is a global solutions provider for owners and operators of pressurised piping systems, and delivers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for onshore and offshore applications, including hot tapping and plugging, pipeline cleaning, integrity inspection, pigging, and non-tethered plugging pig technology.

The case study, authored by TD Williamson (TDW), describes how a recent double block and monitor isolation achieved multiple goals for the operator, including enabling the safe replacement of three valves on a key section of the platform’s gas export pipeline without having to bleed down the entire line; allowing continuous flow through multiple downstream connections; reducing production loss to an absolute minimum; and minimising downtime. Rolf Gunnar Lie, an offshore oil and gas operations specialist for TDW, sees resources like the ESDV replacement case study, which is part of the company’s OperationOffshore initiative, as a way for the industry to share experiences, build

The project also included changing out two other valves in order to conform to Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) requirements, and adding a launcher extension to accommodate longer inline inspection tools. Executing a valve replacement is a complex operation that requires extreme precision and comprehensive planning to ensure safety and minimise flow disruptions. Before the work begins, it is imperative that the affected sections of the pipe are isolated. Offshore operators have multiple valve isolation options,

TD Williamson, Inc – USA www.tdwilliamson.com

Nylon expansion plugs Sumner’s line of Nylon Expansion Plugs are suitable for low pressure hydrostatic testing of drains, pools and spas. The nylon construction and natural rubber rings are resistant to chemicals and seawater corrosion. They are available in 12-155mm (¾" to 4") sizes, and are supplied with a hollow shaft with screw cap for sealing or venting.

The expansion plugs are suited to small pipe diameter purging. The ¾" to 4" plug kit includes brass hole barbs for flooding argon into the weld chamber. Plugs are heat tolerant to 100°C (212°F); use with gas is not recommended. The various sizes available make the plugs suitable for many different applications, including as a pipe plug or drain stopper, and for purging. Sumner Manufacturing has served the welding and mechanical contracting industry for nearly half a century, creating material lifts, jack stands, pipe fit-up clamps, welding tools and

Sumner’s Nylon Expansion Plugs

material carts. The company maintains offices in the USA, Canada, China, the UK and the Netherlands. Sumner Manufacturing Co, Inc – USA customerservice@sumner.com www.sumner.com

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November 2015 Tube Products International