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What You Need To Know About Pipeline Installation

Published August 2, 2021.
Est. Reading: 2 minutes
Flint What You Need To Know About Pipeline Installation Blog Aug 2021 2

Living in Canada, you have probably heard something about pipelines, whether in the news, regular conversation or many debates. In Canada, 97% of the natural gas and oil we use is delivered safely and efficiently by pipelines. But how are these pipelines put in place?

Pipeline Installation Preparations

Installing an oil and gas pipeline is very complex and requires preparations. Therefore, when a pipeline is being designed, the owner must perform several evaluations of the proposed right of way. First, environmental assessments are performed that evaluate potential impacts to ecology, water systems and the habitat for many species at risk that may reside in the area. Taking surveys and confirming that the terrain chosen will provide enough stability provides confidence in the structural performance of the pipeline. Oil and gas companies must follow several rules and regulations before installation occurs, ensuring their equipment, personnel, and processes meet all standards in order to minimize the overall impact of the pipeline on the surrounding lands. Because of this, an inspection must take place at every stage of installation; from fabrication, welding, line lowering, to the final replacement of disturbed soils and right of way maintenance.

When working in such challenging environments with heavy machinery, there is potential for something to go wrong. Emergency preparations are essential. Companies must design detailed, site-specific mitigation plans to minimize injury, environmental damage and ensure operations are restored as quickly as possible. Pipeline installation can often take years to complete. Once complete, the pipelines must be fit for carrying oil and gas.

What is Pipeline Integrity?

Much like your car, it is important to perform regular maintenance inspections in order to ensure that a pipeline is performing as it should and to avoid any type of system failure. Pipeline integrity plans protect the pipeline, ensuring all components are working and no fluids are released from the pipeline. Pipeline integrity management prevents failures by inspecting pipelines, both internally and externally, in order to collect data regarding the pipeline’s performance. This inspection determines if the pipeline requires repair or possibly replacement. A repair is often ordered on a section of pipeline that is trending in the wrong direction. Much like your car, this is done before any real damage can occur, which prevents fluid release. Exposing the section of concern for repair is called an integrity dig.

Flint has the experience to safely and efficiently execute pipeline construction of laterals, tie-ins and gathering lines up to 16" diameter and above-ground pipelines to much greater size. Flint provides complete services, including constructability design, right of way preparation, installation and right of way reclamation. Once operational, our staff has the experience to complete integrity digs throughout Canada. We are experienced in determining the exact location of integrity digs using in-line inspections.

Flint is the clear choice for your pipeline installation services. For more information, contact us, and we'll be glad to answer any questions.

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