An Emergency Repair Keeps Gas Flowing
How Kerr Engineered Sales and T.D. Williamson helped an east coast utility isolate and replace a severely corroded section of 20-inch high-pressure pipeline in two weeks.
20-inch TDW double STOPPLE® Train in action
When a smart pig in-line inspection identified severe corrosion on a 20-inch high-pressure natural gas pipeline, the utility had to act fast. The amount of corrosion was a serious integrity concern, requiring an emergency repair.
The Solution
The utility turned to Daryl Smith, Sr. Application Specialist from Kerr Engineered Sales. Daryl put an emergency project into motion to replace the corroded section of a carbon steel pipeline in an extremely tight timeline. The project had to be executed in multiple sites without interruption of gas service.
KERR and TDW developed a repair plan using a 20-inch double STOPPLE® Train double block and bleed solution with a full bypass. Daryl rapidly secured the needed double STOPPLE® Train isolation equipment, fittings, and completion plugs. Technical support was fast tracked. After schedules were rearranged, a TDW technician was onsite within days.
With the pipeline in service, crews installed fittings and valves and performed hot taps at multiple locations. The double STOPPLE® Train system was then used to isolate the affected section of pipeline while the temporary bypass maintained gas flow.
Complicated Bend
A bend in the pipeline added a challenge
One section of approximately 30-feet included a bend, complicating the project. This added a challenge to the repair and required careful planning and execution to safely remove and replace the affected section. A temporary bypass maintained gas flow while the damaged pipe and bends were removed and replaced.
The Result
Once the corroded section was replaced at every site, the isolation equipment was removed and the pipeline was safely restored to normal operation. The emergency repair was completed within the two week deadline while gas flowed. A combination of rapid equipment mobilization, technical expertise, and coordinated field execution allowed the utility to address a serious pipeline integrity issue quickly while maintaining service throughout the repair.
Due to highly skilled crews and fast acting support, the elevated risks associated with a severely corroded pipeline were averted.
Preparations for the double STOPPLE® Train double block and bleed
Kerr Engineered Sales Company has represented leading pipeline repair and performance companies in Eastern U.S. since the company was founded in 1952. Today, 74 years later, KERR remains a family business providing gas utilities with equipment, technical expertise, and field support for challenging pipeline operations.
The team of Application Specialists at Kerr Engineered Sales Company is available for technical presentations, product demonstrations, and onsite visits.
