TAR works in Georgia
Southern Caucasus Pipeline Expansion (SCPX) Welding and Fit-Up services during Pipeline Shutdown
In August 2017, Laser Gulf Fabrication mobilized teams to two brownfield sites in Georgia to execute welding and fit-up work scopes during the schedule-critical shutdown of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP).
At Metering Station 72 (MS72) close to the Azerbaijan – Georgia border, LGF performed the fabrication and installation of a number of carbon steel and stainless steel spools within the station’s water bath heater and fiscal metering skid areas.
At Metering Station 80 (MS80) close to the Georgia – Turkey border, LGF performed the fit-up and welding of a custom 30” x 30” x 24” tee piece into the TANAP export line.
Notable achievements and challenges overcome during the project include:
- At MS72, LGF highlighted to the Client before commencement of the pipeline shutdown that the extensive number of spools to be fabricated could pose a potential schedule risk. LGF proactively mobilized personnel to MS72 before the critical shutdown period to perform pre-fabrication where possible and mitigate the risk on the Client’s schedule
- Using state-of-the-art laser scanning equipment at MS72, LGF’s surveyors assessed pre-fabricated spools delivered by a different subcontractor to remove the necessity for green material and field-fit welding. The survey activities and subsequent modification of pipe spools by LGF guaranteed a first time fit on site
- Procurement and delivery of installation aids (pipe dollies, purging dams, adjustable pipe stands) at the request of the Client and outside of LGF’s original scope of work to assist in other work scopes
- At MS80, after the existing 30” section of line pipe was removed substantial ovality was observed in the decade-old material rendering fit-up and welding extremely difficult in its current state. LGF welders resolved this issue through buttering of the internal surface of the pipe in applicable areas to ensure that acceptable fit up was achieved. The approach and workmanship of Laser Gulf’s welders and fitters ensured the critical path of the the project schedule was not affected
- At MS80, Laser Gulf produced 2-off defect free butt welds (30mm thickness) on the 30” line in order to install the new custom tee. The welding was completed in accordance with the critical path of the project schedule.