IsoTool™ Performs first IsoPurge™

Client request

In a ground breaking project, Integral Pipeline Technology utilized the IsoTool to the dual purpose of purging and isolating a 20” pipeline for the removal of a span of pipe over a water crossing.

The best solution

The IsoTool was pulled into a spool piece at a pump station and tracked for 32 miles where it was parked DS of a mainline valve. The valve was closed and the IsoTool was purged using nitrogen 4.3 miles, where it was parked and set downstream of a bleed point (2” TOR). The nitrogen was then vented to atmosphere leaving the IsoTool holding 270psi of fluid pressure from the downstream side.

Plan and deliver

A HDD (horizontal directional drill) beneath the river was tied into the existing pipeline. When the pipe was cut there was zero oil present, verifying that the IsoTool had effectively displaced all the oil in the pipeline.

Conventional methods would have required purging 18 miles of pipe, or installing 2 full bore line stops, which would have necessitated on site drain up of over 1000’ of pipe. The IsoTool accomplished both isolating and voiding the line simultaneously, while providing cost savings and less down time.

Service completion

A fill pig was inserted into a spool piece just downstream of the purge point valve and tracked up to the rear of the IsoTool. This fill pig was ported to provide minor bypass, which allowed the pigs to separate slightly as they came to trap. Both pigs traveled the remaining 110 miles to the receiver where they were removed together.