Transmission Pipelines

A pipeline owner faced a problem when an 80' section of 16" crude oil transmission line in the Gulf Coast area needed to be replaced without interrupting the supply of oil to downstream customers. Topaz provided a solution to the problem—a dual plugging operation with a full size temporary bypass around the isolated 80’ section being replaced. Topaz supplied the fittings, equipment and technician to get the job done on time and with no downtime to the system or disruption of downstream delivery.

Topaz, Inc. service technicians successfully performed this dual line plugging operation by using a tapping machine to make two 16" hot taps through Topaz temporary valves. The section of line was then isolated and flow was diverted through the bypass. Once the isolated section of pipe was depressured, and the residual product was drained, the Topaz technician made two cold cuts to remove the 80’ section.

With the new section of line installed, Topaz retracted the plugging heads out of the line and flow was restored through the new section. This job was completed on time and with no interruption of flow preventing significant loss of revenue for the owner.

With over 50 years of experience on pipeline transmission lines, Topaz has the knowledge, personnel and tools to get the job done right the first time, every time.