IsoTool provides a timley and cost effective solution for a Major Texas Pipeline Operator 

Client request

A single IsoTool was deployed to South Texas to assist in a trap valve replacement project

The best solution

The scope of the project involved launching the IsoTool using nitrogen from a 6” purge upstream of the launcher, so the pig was built with zero by-pass to facilitate a gas launch. 

Plan and deliver

Using a standard pig launcher, the IsoTool was launched, tracked and parked 50’ downstream from the launch and work site.  IsoTool launch time:  16:25 CST
 
Wireless communication with the IsoTool was established and the tool set command was initiated. When the IsoTool was confirmed to be in the “set” position, upstream and downstream IsoTool remote pressure readings displayed  150 psi differential.  The Nitrogen upstream of the IsoTool was vented to zero, while the downstream fluid pressure remained at 150psi.  Total time to launch, isolate, and vent was 1h 10m.

This IsoTool was locked out and tagged out and the construction crew was cleared to begin work.

The tie-ins were completed in 47 hours.  The LOTO was removed from the IsoTool and downstream pressure was confirmed to still be 150psi.  Due to the gas launch the IsoTool’s internal bypass could not be used, so the vacated volume between the trap door and the IsoTool was filled from an upstream source. Once the pressure was equalized across the IsoTool, the IsoTool bypass was opened and the pig was “unset”. 

Once fully unset the IsoTool was pigged and tracked to trap normally.  Some nitrogen had gotten into the line during the 6” purge, but trackers heard it and alerted the pipeline company, who safely vented it before tankage.

Service completion

Traditional methods would have required lengthy drain down, purging several miles of pipe, or using an intrusive plugging device which would have left fittings on the line and possible future integrity issues.  The project was completed safely and exactly as per the outlined procedure.  Both Integral and the client representative considered it a complete success.