24” IsoTool Isolation use to tie in new delivery point

Client request

A new delivery point was required along an existing pipeline at a newly constructed tank farm.

The best solution

Two 24” IsoTools were deployed to Cushing Oklahoma to isolate the line and allow the tie in of the new valves and delivery laterals.

The IsoTools were launched 300’ apart in crude oil, and tracked to the tie in location. The lead pig was parked 12’ DS of the tie in location.

Plan and deliver

The IsoTools were set remotely and the pipeline was isolated in 36 minutes. The IsoTool control boxes were LOTO, making it so that Integral could monitor the tools, but not operate them. The pipeline was then cut on either side of an existing tee that was to be removed.

Once the old pipe was removed the back end of the downstream IsoTool was clearly visible in the pipeline. There is pressurised fluid on the other side of this pig.

By using the IsoTool the client saved time by not having to purge the system, and eliminated the potential future integrity problems that are associated with conventional intrusive plugging devices.

Service completion

Once the new pipe was tied in, the client returned the previously evacuated product into the line. The LOTO was removed from the IsoTools and the internal bypasses were opened and the pressure across them was equalized. Both of the IsoTools were unset, all LOTO was removed from the pipeline, and control was returned to operations. The tools were trapped individually and pulled without event.

The project was a complete success and the new asset was effectively tied in.