T D Williamson (TDW), the global solutions provider, has completed its first SmartPlug isolation in offshore Nigeria, working for a major operator through its local partner, Strides Energy & Maritime Ltd
Isolating the 267-km natural gas pipeline enabled the safe change-out and leak testing of platform valves without depressurising the system.
This was the latest in a series of 47 SmartPlug operations TDW has provided for the operator since 2001. The companies have worked together all over the globe, including Bangladesh, Brunei, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, the UK and the USA.
“The first project in Nigeria, amid the pandemic, further extends our shared track record of success and adds to the extensive portfolio of services TDW offers across the African continent,” according to Jeff Wilson, vice-president, eastern Hemisphere.
The SmartPlug system aims to meet the criteria for a true double block isolation. In this case, two plug modules provided a double barrier to isolate pipeline contents at 80 bar line pressure; a third module allowed for in-situ pressure testing of the new valves at 132 bar (1915 psi) while the isolation remained undisturbed and in place.
Overcoming pandemic-related challenges
“This pandemic has forced us all to rethink the traditional ways we go about our business, from communication with our clients as well as within our own organisation, and also in the way we utilise remote technologies at our disposal,” TDW project manager Morgan Swanlund said.
Working closely with Strides and the operator, TDW overcame significant pandemic-related mobilisation challenges to prepare for and perform the successful isolation within the Operator’s urgent timetable.
Once the SmartPlug isolation tool was set, crews performed round-the-clock monitoring, both in person during the day and remotely (via satellite) by teams in Norway and Australia at night, when access to the platform was restricted. Wilson said this provided a foundation for future projects leveraging TDW remote monitoring technologies.
