Retiring Underground Pipe
Retiring Underground Pipe
(OP)
Group,
I have been ask to come up with a spec for abandoning inplace old oil piping. Can any give me a head start?
Thanks!!
I have been ask to come up with a spec for abandoning inplace old oil piping. Can any give me a head start?
Thanks!!





RE: Retiring Underground Pipe
BigInch
-born in the trenches.
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com
RE: Retiring Underground Pipe
Now that said, can you find a buyer or other use for it?
RE: Retiring Underground Pipe
Some jurisdictions require physically removing the line. Other jurisdictions do not allow removing the line. Same with contracts. Company policies are typically silent. Managers are fickle. And finally, techniques like dcasto described are very good engineering practice. For gas lines, I've cut out above-ground valve settings and then covered both ends below grade with duct tape. Other lines had to be sealed and pressurized with nitrogen. My feeling is that cutting them off and doing nothing will speed their return to nature, but not by much.
David
RE: Retiring Underground Pipe
BigInch
-born in the trenches.
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com
RE: Retiring Underground Pipe
What standards are there for abandoning inplace petroleum piping. The product is #2 fuel oil.
This effort is in response to the EPA SPCC regulations. We are putting all of our fuel oil lines above ground.
RE: Retiring Underground Pipe
I would then suggest running a set of batching/cup pigs with corrosion inhibitor using compressed air through the pipeline. You can leave the pipeline filled with air at atmospheric pressure or as BigInch suggested, fill it with Nitrogen. I would then seal the ends of the pipeline with either concrete grout or welded end caps.
Greg Lamberson
Consultant - Upstream Energy
Website: www.oil-gas-consulting.com
RE: Retiring Underground Pipe
Had a couple of additional thoughts since my last post. You might check 49 CFR (US DOT's Code of Federal Regulations) Part 192.727.
FYI - the other basic options are 1) remove and dispose and 2) remove for re-use.
In my experience, the most cost effective option as well as the most enviornmentally acceptable is the option you have chosen - abandon in place.
Greg Lamberson
Consultant - Upstream Energy
Website: www.oil-gas-consulting.com
RE: Retiring Underground Pipe
Could anyone recommend some pipe cleaning companies?
RE: Retiring Underground Pipe
www.pipepigs.com
www.tdwilliamson.com
www.ppsa-online.com
To name a few.
Greg Lamberson
Consultant - Upstream Energy
Website: www.oil-gas-consulting.com