Invisible, yet crucial – pipeline maintenance enabled by air compressors
Highly efficient air compressors successfully put pressure into extensive pipeline for a Pipeline Integrity Gauge
Atlas Copco Specialty Rental division in Central Asia was asked to assist with a pipeline inspection project in the Jambyl region in southern Kazakhstan. This project involved inspecting 96 kilometers of pipeline, requiring a number of specialized rental machines and tools to generate sufficient pressure to cover the distance.
Customer challenge
Pigging (sending a Pipeline Integrity Gauge through a pipeline structure) to inspect the quality of nearly 100 kms of underground pipeline.
Our solution
Filling the pipeline with nitrogen using NGU-2000 as a nitrogen generator, powered by a diesel generator, and PNS air compressors for feed air. The nitrogen was removed using XRVS compressors.
The result
A smooth, quick and successful inspection provided the client with clear insights into the pipeline, enabling them to complete the project swiftly and on time.
Maintenance matters
For almost 30 years, our client in Kazakhstan has been a prominent service provider in the fields of pipeline cleaning, pigging and inspection, safety expertise, and various technical works for tanks, pipelines, and vessels, including diagnostics and repairs. Although pipelines are typically underground or submerged and thus invisible, their contribution to the quality of life for large people groups and entire continents is undeniable. Substances such as oil, natural gas, ammonia, hydrogen, water and steam all rely on pipeline structures for efficient, direct transport. This necessitates regular inspections to ensure there are no leaks and to mitigate the risks of malfunctions.
A fleet of powerful solutions
Although our client is familiar with complex inspection procedures, the length of this pipeline route presented some challenges. They turned to Atlas Copco Rental to ensure there was enough power and pressure to move the PIG from one end of the pipeline to the other. Our first step was to plan the necessary equipment. Ultimately, we supplied several PNS compressors, a nitrogen generator, a diesel generator, and several XRVS compressors. The diesel generator powered the nitrogen generator, allowing the pipeline to be filled with nitrogen to remove gas. Then, air served as a propellant to move the PIG through the pipes. The system achieved a pressure of 24 bar, enabling the PIG to be purged at an airflow rate of 258 m3 per minute.
Experts on the ground
From planning to finish, the project took a total of four weeks to be completed. Atlas Copco Rental provided two onsite service engineers and one mechanical engineer for the inspection to ensure a smooth operation and the necessary technical expertise. Thanks to clear communication and a hands-on approach, the client was able to complete the required service successfully and on time. In addition, by choosing a rental solution, the overall project costs were reduced while the client was assured of well-maintained, compliant, and adaptable technology.
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At Atlas Copco, we have been turning industrial ideas into business-critical benefits since 1873. By listening to our customers and knowing their needs, we deliver value and innovate with the future in mind.
Great ideas reinforce sustainable development. At Atlas Copco Specialty Rental, we team up with our customers to set up state-of-the-art temporary air, flow, steam and nitrogen solutions. Our passionate experts have extensive application and equipment knowledge. We understand our customers' needs and can provide a total solution for any industry, no matter if it is for emergencies or planned projects. We are a division of the Power Technique business area, headquartered in Boom, Belgium and offer specialty rental solutions under several brands around the globe.