Specialised pipeline clamp avoids pipeline disruption

Summary of the Project

Wellube designed and delivered a specialist pipeline leak clamp to ensure the client avoided costly production disruption.

Client Requirement

ADNOC LNG requested us to perform online leak sealing of a 2” leak on a 48” seawater pipeline that provided cooling water to two different trains. The leak was formed due to severe internal corrosion that developed on the weld of the pipe flange.

Since the pipeline was leaking, traditional composite repairs were not possible and standard leak repair clamps could not be used due to space restrictions around the pipeline and the location of the leak point. The only alternative, other than shutting down both the trains, was to provide a customized leak repair clamp.

Unique Solution we delivered

Wellube designed, manufactured, and installed a four-piece 48” enclosure box clamp to achieve a 100% sealing solution – with no disruption to production. A strong-back system was also designed to keep the clamp in place should any further corrosion in the future cause a pipe flange separation. The enclosure was designed according to ASME Sec VIII Div 1 specifications.

The high ovality in pipe, longitudinal weld seam and obstructions around the pipe presented installation challenges. However, the clamp was specifically designed with three independent sets of size packing grooves to overcome the pipe ovality.

Benefits delivered

• We devised and implemented the only feasible online repair solution to avoid a production shutdown.
• No disruption to production, the repair was performed on the live pipelin

Client feedback

Mr. Hassan Taher, Vice President – Plant Maintenance at ADNOC LNG, congratulated the Wellube team on successful completion of the project and for providing the best solution to reduce the high-pressure leak, “Completing the work on-line, Wellube has made an extremely valuable contribution to the smooth running of the plant and avoided a costly shutdown. We would like to thank Unique Group for mobilizing the service at a short notice and accomplishing the task on time.”