Why Is Pipeline Pre-Commissioning Important And Mandatory?

 

The first step to perform after completion of the new pipeline construction process is the pre-commissioning procedure. The pipeline pre commissioning procedure is a vital part of the transition process from pipeline construction to operation. 

This process must be conducted properly to ensure all the pipelines operate effectively and correctly. To do so, the process should be done in an appropriate order with the use of necessary tools in every step. Keep reading to learn the importance of this process and other vital things!

What is pipeline pre-commissioning?

Pipeline pre-commissioning is the industrial procedure performed to analyze pipelines’ effectiveness and make sure that they function at the optimum level. The expert team usually performs pipeline process service to see whether the pipelines are constructed properly to carry substances such as gas, water, or chemicals without leaks. 

Pre-commissioning is done before the final substance is introduced as it helps verify whether the pipelines are ready to carry the material without leakage. Allowing the substance to flow in the pipeline is the next step in the industrial procedure. It is often referred to as pipeline commissioning. The pipeline pre-commissioning process ensures that the next step is smooth and effective.

Why is pipeline pre-commissioning important?

Pre-commissioning is all about checking the pipeline's effectiveness for optimum performance. The pipeline network is vital to operations because companies rely on them for the regular movement of tons of water, oil, or bi-products to different destinations for processing/distribution. The pipeline network should be robust enough to handle the huge volume of material being moved and the high pressure or external stresses created during transportation. 

Whenever new pipelines are installed, they are not immediately ready for operations due to the presence of impurities like dirt, grease, or vapor. These impurities can create contamination risks, which disrupt operations and result in accidents. Due to this, the pre-commissioning process takes place with more care and attention.

A group of trained and skilled experts perform this procedure and analyze different aspects before allowing operation in the pipeline network. Upon finding all the potential risks, the expert team will remove everything and set up the environment for operation. It maximizes pipeline safety, efficiency, and reliability. 

Procedure of pipeline pre-commissioning

Here are the common procedures used for pipeline pre-commissioning. Apart from these, experts use several checks and procedures to check the pipeline network and its efficiency.  

• Pipeline cleaning or flushing

It is one of the vital methods used in pre-commissioning for cleaning pipes and ensuring they are free from natural gas and other chemicals. It is performed with the help of internal moving devices called as chemical compounds or Pigs. 

• Pigging

This step assists remove debris and clean the pipe internally to conduct the procedures such as sealing of oil or water when commissioning occurs. Additionally, pigs are used when the pipeline network is in service to assist in maintenance and inspect the pipe for leaks, corrosion, or dents. 

• Hydrostatic pretesting

It involves using the liquid to reveal pipeline vulnerabilities. Then, the fluid is passed through the pipelines at high pressure to find weak spots, tiny portions, and thin sections that impact the integrity of the pipeline.

Besides, experts perform steps such as pipeline dewatering, vacuum drying, pipeline purging, and nitrogen drying to check the pipe's effectiveness and integrity to avoid risks.