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    1. Production

    TDW uses isolation tool to replace leaking valves off Malaysia

    July 28, 2014
    When several leaking valves were detected across multiple major gas trunk lines, as well as a defective section of feed line piping, an offshore Malaysia operator moved to replace them. To ensure that gas would flow with minimal disruption during repairs, the operator retained global pipeline service provider T.D. Williamson (TDW).
    During a recent operation offshore Malaysia, TDW used its remote-controlled SmartPlug pipeline pressure isolation system to create a double-block isolation against gas pressure on the four individually designated repair zones.
    During a recent operation offshore Malaysia, TDW used its remote-controlled SmartPlug pipeline pressure isolation system to create a double-block isolation against gas pressure on the four individually designated repair zones.

    Offshore staff

    SINGAPORE– When several leaking valves were detected across multiple major gas trunk lines, as well as a defective section of feed line piping, an offshore Malaysia operator moved to replace them. To ensure that gas would flow with minimal disruption during repairs, the operator retained global pipeline service provider T.D. Williamson (TDW).

    The repair program required replacement of two shutdown valves on two gas export pipelines attached to the drilling/riser platform, located 135 km (84 mi) northeast of Kertih, Malaysia. In addition, replacement of launcher valves and a piping section of the 52-slot drilling/riser platform located offshore Terrangganu, Malaysia, was also necessary.

    TDW used its remote-controlledSmartPlug pipeline pressure isolation system to create a double-block isolation against gas pressure on the four individually designated repair zones for a period of two to three weeks each, so that each section could be depressurized. 

    External pigging pumps were used place the SmartPlug. The SmartPlug tool is operated and monitored by remote control using the SmartTrack system to transmit commands and receive pipeline and operational data through the pipe wall. The system tracks the SmartPlug tool’s location and monitors pipeline pressure.

    Each of the isolations was maintained for an average of seven days at a safe operating pressure of 70–80 bar (1,015–1,160 psi). As a result, TDW helped the operator achieve a safe environment in which repair work was carried out as planned, with minimal downtime.

    07/28/2014