Reason for Forties pipeline crack revealed

Ineos has explained that its contractors found the crack where the pipeline system runs over land near Netherley, south of Aberdeen.

“The precise point of the transverse weld of the pipeline was resting on a sharp ridge of granite rock and over time vibration of the pipeline led to the hairline crack,” said Ineos director Tom Crotty.

“It was a failure that BP hadn’t seen before and we don’t expect to see again,” he said.

The 234 mile long Forties pipeline was closed for three weeks in December after inspections by Ineos discovered a hairline crack.

More than 80 oil and gas platforms and facilities which are connected to the mainland by UK's largest pipeline had to suspend production.

The Health and Safety Executive is carrying out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mr Crotty described the condition of the pipeline post-purchase saying: “It was more of a Ford Mondeo than a Mercedes but that is a reflection of the age of the system. We knew that a robust maintenance programme would be essential.”

“We will probably spend more on maintenance than the previous owners, reflecting the fact that this is an older asset.”

Ineos bought the pipeline from oil major BP last October for US$250 million.

 

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/22012018/reason-for-forties-pipeline-crack-revealed/