Have you constructed a new gas or oil pipeline? Well! Before setting up the environment into full-scale operation, you must do a preliminary phase of quality check and inspection. This is where pipeline commissioning comes into play. Commissioning plays a significant role in ensuring the proper implementation and operation of pipeline projects in the gas and oil industries.
Pipeline commissioning is the comprehensive and systematic process verifying the functionality, integrity and performance of different components and systems within gas and oil facilities before operation. Usually, gas and oil companies reach third-party companies toget the pre-commissioning and pipeline process services. Afterconducting detailed pipeline inspections, they submit the report and suggest safety measures.
Pipeline commissioning checklists help ensure the pipes are satisfactory and fulfil the tests before the commencement of operations. Keep reading to know the importance of pipeline commissioning!
Why is pipeline commissioning vital?
Commissioning is everything about priming the pipeline for effective and optimal performance. For any operation, a pipeline network is vital and ensures the concern process is completed successfully. Companies mostly rely on pipelines for the regular movement of tons of oil, bi-products, and other products to different places for distribution and processing.
So, the need to have a quality and reliable pipeline network becomes unavoidable. It helps handle the enormous volume of material being appropriately moved, different external stresses on the network from the outside environment, and the high pressures to transport gas/oil.
Whenever new pipelines are installed in the industrial environment, the commissioning process must be conducted. It assists in eliminating the impurities and other contaminants in the pipelines. Making the pipeline clean and clear maximizes its safety, pipeline’s lifespan, and reliability.
Remember that new pipelines are not ready to use even after the installation because they may contain impurities such as debris, oil, vapour and grease. For example, if it is combined with oxygen, hydrocarbons can cause significant problems such as explosions. It impacts the environment severely and causes disastrous to the gas/oil operations.
To avoid these situations, experts recommend conducting the commissioning process that involves a series of tests and procedures. It ensures and validates pipeline hygiene and gives a green signal to start the operation without hesitation.
Safety tips to follow for pipeline commissioning
Reaching the right hands is essential to conduct the commissioning process. Experts use the right tools and techniques to perform the tests. While doing the processes, experts go through all the pipeline safety precautions that help maintain your workers’ health and workers’ operations.
Follow the below-mentioned steps when conducting the pipeline pre-commissioning and commissioning process to ensure workforce safety and avoid accidents.
- Provide adequate provision and mandatory use of protective equipment for the workforce.
- Replace the faulty parts quickly and perform regular checks of electrical wiring and other apparatus to find the faults at the initial stage.
- Make the workers aware of the things to do during emergency shutdown and evacuation plans. Give them proper training and knowledge about the environment they work in.
Upon doing these safety measures, you can efficiently conduct the commissioning procedure and check the health of your pipeline before operation. It prevents you from future issues and other problems.
