Hot tapping for spool installation

Project Overview

Jee’s latest project was to tie-in the new Victory field into the Laggan-Tormore flowline via a pre-installed hot tap tee, using a new spool clamped onto the flowline.

The scope of this project led to Jee being involved in the project from the design phase through to fabrication, onshore testing and offshore installation.

Through this project Jee were liaising with our client, a third-party operator, an Engineering, Procurement, Installation and Commissioning (EPIC) contractor, an Independent Verification Body (IVB) and various vendors, including those involved in pipe spool and clamp fabrication, valve manufacture, hot tap drilling equipment supply and pipe coating removal equipment supply.

Onshore design and testing scope

The onshore engineering and testing scope comprised the following:

• Retrieval of relevant documents using the client Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) to support the development of EPIC contractor documents.
• Attendance at progress meetings with the EPIC contractor, IVB and various vendors.
• Resolution of technical queries with the contractor and third-party operator, including adherence to company particular technical specifications.
• Review of EPIC contractor deliverables such as design documents and installation procedures.
• Attendance at the following:
  • Onshore hot tap drilling trials,
  • Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) / Site Integration Testing (SIT) following fabrication of pipe clamps and spools,
  • HAZID/HAZOP risk assessments for offshore installation.

Offshore installation scope

Jee was requested by the client to perform the role of Client Technical Representative onboard the Dive Support Vessel (DSV). In this role the Engineer was responsible for overseeing the dredging, coating removal, pipe clamp and hot tap valve installation in the first phase then hot-tap drilling into the live flowline followed by installation and leak testing of the tie-in spool in the second phase. Throughout both phases the Engineer was responsible for:

• Ensuring procedures were adhered to, including sign-off for critical steps in said procedures,
• Attendance at pre-shift briefings,
• Input into technical queries/discussions, including attendance at pre-dive Toolbox Talks (TBTs).
• Review and sign-off of Management of Change (MOC) documents.

First gas from the Victory field was achieved shortly after spool installation, providing a significant contribution to UK domestic energy needs.

For more information on our services, visit www.jee.co.uk/oil-and-gas