STATS Group completes hydrotest and weld test on Gulf project

STATS Group has completed hydrostatic testing services on behalf of a major Gulf States operator. The workscope involved providing a verified barrier during hot work activities, followed by localised pressure testing of new welds/fittings during a planned shutdown for routine maintenance and the re-routing of new pipework.

The pipeline engineering specialist supplied 28 inline weld test tools, ranging in size from 2 – 20 in., and a team of six technicians during the 12 day shutdown window.

Hot tap operations

STATS Group General Manager in Qatar, Vikas Shangari, said: “Our inline weld test tools are deployed into ambient pipework to provide a verified vapour barrier, allowing hot work to be safely and efficiently performed without the risk to personnel from the migration of flammable or harmful vapours. The same tool is then utilised to verify the integrity (hydro test) of the new weld or fitting.

“By taking this approach we were able to reduce system down-time and increase worksite safety by minimising pressure-test volume. Other time and efficiency savings were made by limiting the test area to only the new weld or welded components.”

The operator’s safety philosophy requires a dual positive isolation before conducting any hot work activities. Traditionally, this means attaching blind flanges at multiple locations for every field weld and carrying out a system hydrotest to prove the integrity of the new welds.

Project finished one day in advance

STATS’ range of dual sealed test tools was used on more than 10 locations on the platform and there was no requirement to flood and dewater these large piping systems, enhancing safety and saving time and resources.

A spokesman for the operator said: “STATS mobilised and worked professionally to safely complete the workscopes against a tight delivery schedule. The start-up of the offshore production facilities one day in advance of the planned schedule demonstrates good planning and the decision to use STATS’ proven isolation and testing solutions had a positive impact on this project.”

Adapted from press release by Elizabeth Corner

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/15082013/stats_group_completes_hydrotest_and_weld_test_on_gulf_project/