The Development of an Emergency Repair System, and a Case Study for a Remote Gas Pipeline

Abstract

Large diameter long distance gas pipelines are high value assets which have to be kept operating. When damage occurs, or the pipeline fails, a rapid repair is critical to allow full operation to re-start. Suitable equipment and skilled personnel are required to ensure a repair can be completed for the range of damage that can occur. Many locations around the world can be remote or hostile creating an absence of both available skills (such as welders) and equipment for emergency repairs. Consequently, some operators need comprehensive repair systems and skills that can be mobilised quickly and easily. This paper presents an overview of the options for the emergency repair of different types of pipeline damage, and provides a strategy, and a case study of the process used to define the equipment and support contracts needed by the operator of a gas pipeline in a remote area to ensure that they could complete a repair to any credible damage or failure within just 7 days.