Pipeline technology specialist, STATS Group, has completed the largest number of simultaneous pipeline isolation projects in its 23-year history.
During the 2021 summer shutdown season, STATS supported six separate Tecno Plug isolation deployments in the UK North Sea, on pipelines ranging from 20” to 36” in diameter. The projects were on critical pipeline systems on behalf of multiple clients, with the isolation periods ranging from 10 to 45 days.
Isolation activities were carried out onshore and offshore at various locations and included the use of STATS Remote Monitoring System, which allowed Tecno Plug isolation tools to be monitored continuously via satellite from STATS Remote Monitoring Centre in Kintore, Aberdeenshire.
The satellite monitoring technology enables customers to reduce site Personnel on Board (POB) requirements on their oil and gas installations during the breaking of containment activities, whilst still ensuring that the isolation status is continually monitored.
The majority of Tecno Plugs deployed as part of the shutdown campaigns incorporated Leak Test Modules, which allowed Operators to perform reinstatement testing of new valves and pipework without disturbing the integrity of line isolations.
Each isolation scope was carried out with design, manufacturing, testing, and project support is provided locally from STATS Group’s Kintore headquarters. Factory Acceptance Testing was also live-streamed remotely to clients, ensuring the client had full participation and oversight during the testing phase, despite the logistical restrictions necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The summer shutdown period also saw a surge in demand for STATS Process Plant Solutions which supported both North Sea and international clients with the provision of vapour barrier and localised weld testing services, with many requirements being delivered in quick turnaround times, due to the inevitability of unforeseen scopes that appear.
