TPI November 2015

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November 2015 Tube Products International 51
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.
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,
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.
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
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.
TD Williamson, Inc – USA
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
material carts. The company maintains
offices in the USA, Canada, China, the
UK and the Netherlands.
Sumner Manufacturing Co, Inc – USA
Sumner’s Nylon Expansion Plugs