Hilcorp to repair pipeline
Published by Anna Nicklin,
Assistant Editor
World Pipelines,
A Hilcorp Alaska LLC-owned natural gas pipeline has been leaking an estimated 193 000 - 215 000 ft3/d of gas into Alaska’s Cook Inlet. The company has recently agreed to temporarily shutdown oil production at two platforms in and begin repair work on the leaking pipeline.
According to KTUU: “Hilcorp will reduce the gas line pressure by half, maintaining the minimum pressure needed to prevent water from entering the line.”
A company statement explained that “shutting in oil production allows the gas pipeline to operate with 65 psi, the minimum positive pressure. Minimum positive pressure is necessary to prevent water from entering the line and a potential washout of the residual crude oil that remains in the pipeline.
“Further, maintaining minimum pressure on the line will allow for the platforms to run essential equipment and safety systems,” the statement added.
The pipeline transports processed natural gas from the shore to four petroleum production platforms in the Cook Inlet.
Hilcorp believes that the leak has not caused any significant environmental issues, and samples demonstrate that current water quality does not pose a threat to wildlife. While weather conditions have prevented the pipeline from being repaired sooner, the company anticipates to commence repairs within the next two weeks as it has until 1 May to stop the leak.
KTVA Alaska cited Hilcorp as stating that “a crew and equipment are on standby to do the repairs ‘as soon as it can be done safely.”
Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/equipment-and-safety/27032017/hilcorp-to-repair-pipeline/
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