In the oil and gas pipeline industry, sharing knowledge is essential. 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. 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.
The case study, authored by T.D. Williamson (TDW), describes how a recent double block and monitor isolation achieved multiple goals for the operator. This includes 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, said: “Today, solutions to operational issues are highly specialised, and it’s not always easy to know what will be the best fit. 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.”