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Pipeline Isolation in Canada Using the Integral IsoTool

By Jordan Dyck, Integral Pipeline Technologies

Client request	Two 16” IsoTools were deployed to Northern Alberta to facilitate a mainline valve replacement project in September 2015.
The best solution	The IsoTools were specially configured to traverse a known restriction in the pipeline. The pigs were launched 75m apart in crude oil, and tracked 164km to the tie in location. Due to the rebuild, the pigs separated to 200m by the time they reached the target area. To reduce the amount of product removal required, Integral tracked the front pig to a location at a lower elevation, and parked the rear pig within 40cm of its original target.
Plan and deliver	The IsoTools were awakened wirelessly, and initial readings were retrieved. The client was able to bring the pressures down from 200psi to 50 psi by removing product at the US and DS pump stations sumps. The target pressure to hold was limited to maximum 150 psi due to the wall thickness, so the final 50 psi was well under Integral’s stated maximum for this project. External clamps were present if the pressure could not be reduced. Both IsoTools were set in 45 minutes and the client removed the pressure from between the tools. This zero pressure was monitored via an open vent point to confirm a nil pressure between the IsoTools. The IsoTool communication boxes were locked out and tagged out and the construction crew was cleared to begin work. This LOTO allowed Integral to monitor the pigs, but not operate them in anyway. Once all of the product was removed the valve was cut out and the new valve was installed. The client returned the previously evacuated product into the line. The LOTO was removed from the IsoTools and the internal bypasses were opened and the pressure across them was equalized. Both of the IsoTools were unset, all LOTO was removed from the pipeline, and control was returned to operations. The tools were tracked the remaining the 265km to trap.
Service completion	The project was delivered and completed on time and under the approved client budget.