Evaluating the suitability of a legacy gas pipeline for CO2 service

Scope

The Miller field stopped producing in 2007 and its export pipeline to shore was decommissioned and flooded. With nearby gas fields under review as potential CCS storage locations the new operator needed a clear and reliable assessment of whether the Miller pipeline could play a part in the future CO2 transport network.

The original operator recommended Jee because of our long-standing involvement with the Miller pipeline and our wider track record in the integrity management of North Sea infrastructure. Our familiarity with legacy design records, construction practices and operating history meant we could move quickly and provide clarity from the outset. Years of working closely with operators across the basin have built trust that we bring the right level of technical depth and pragmatism.

The solution

Jee identified the full set of historical data required to evaluate the pipeline, then:

• Supported the operator in locating the information stored across 300 boxes of archived documents
• Oversaw the scanning and digitisation of all relevant records
• Managed the review process through SharePoint to ensure efficient collaboration
• Completed a structured assessment including:
  • verification of the original design basis
  • review of construction and commissioning records
  • analysis of operational history to understand any post-installation changes or events
  • assessment of internal and external condition using historic inspection data

This work provided a complete understanding of the pipeline’s previous life and its current state. Although Jee has not yet been engaged for further inspection we advised that inline inspection would be the next step to confirm the absence of cracking.

Conclusion

Rapid identification of key data significantly reduced the time needed to source and digitise archived records

• Our experience with legacy North Sea assets enabled efficient interpretation of the information and a clear conclusion
• Deep knowledge of gas transfer systems helped highlight the operational risks associated with switching the pipeline to CO2 service

For more information, visit www.jee.co.uk/carbon-capture-utilisation-and-storage

To find out more email us at info@jee.co.uk, or call +44 (0)1732 371 371.