iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ was approached by National Grid regarding an urgent problem that had developed at their Partington LNG storage plant, Manchester. An ANSI CL150 control valve, situated on a 12” Sch 10 stainless steel insulated flow line to one of their main storage tanks, had developed a leak and required replacement in a live situation.

Client Project KPI’s

• Stipulation that Safety was Paramount
• Avoid lengthy shutdown
• Maintain LNG tank product at -161˚C
• Maintain LNG tank pressure (tank dimens: 82mD x 42mH: 221,892cm³)

iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ Solution

• Review drawings and data
• Provide turnkey unique design and site services, including:
• Client witnessed Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Double Block and Bleed Medium pressure isolation tool
• Online launching unit
• Site deployment & monitoring services

Project Execution

Following mobilization to site the iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ team worked as Project Manager in co-ordination with the client and third party contractors. The temporary launching system was connected to the valve flange. Following test of the system, the client opened the valve, to allow iNPIPE to deploy the isolation tool beyond the leaking valve. The twin Posi-seal℗ tires were inflated, providing double block & bleed isolation. The cavity created was injected with nitrogen to provide further safety blanket and confirm positive isolation.

Pressures and temperatures were monitored throughout the valve replacement process. Upon completion of repairs, the iNPIPE isolation system was used to carry out a low pressure (1.7barg) test, prior to sequenced / controlled removal of the isolation barrier and retrieval of the tool to the launch system.

Client Satisfaction

Following successful completion of the project, on time and on budget, the Client Operations Engineer for National Grid, Mr Ian Briggs, confirmed their complete satisfaction “the operation was a great success, with the whole team having full confidence in iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ equipment.”

iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ is an internationally recognised leader in the design and manufacture of pipeline pigging products, including foam pigs, cup pigs, bi-directional cleaning / gauging pigs, pig handling equipment, pig signalers, engineered solutions for pipeline isolation and joint testing, launching & receiving systems as well as bespoke pigging solutions based on specific client project requirements.