In mid-April 2018, CPC pipeline saw a scheduled shutdown of Tengiz-Novorossiysk pipeline, during which some new units and equipment were tied in.
A significant amount of work has been done to increase the reliability of the pipeline. Periodic testing of MLBV unauthorized closing safeguards were conducted along the entire pipeline as a part of surge relief protection program. Also conducted was routine and seasonal maintenance of the mainline ball valves and associated equipment.
All 15 pump stations of Tengiz – Novorossiysk pipeline system underwent the extensive maintenance which necessitated the pipeline shutdown. In particular, works were carried out on shut-off valves, metering stations, automation and power supply systems. The instruments were calibrated, and pump station protection systems were inspected and tested.
At some PSs and external power source automatic switchover systems were tested. At the largest station of the Consortium – Kropotkin PS, saw an upgrade od the air compressors’ piping to ensure parallel operation. At CPC Marine terminal, a new 1.35-MW diesel generator was connected enabling have the critical equipment powered from the backup power sources of the new generation.
A lot of work was done in SCADA system including SU&C for integration of the new 16-MW diesel power plant into the Tank Farm’s control systems: general control system and F&G. The work performed in the activation of the Tank Farm process protections. At Komsomolsk PS the control logic was revised to improve the reliability of the mainline turbine pumps. At Kropotkin PS the laboratory and chemical warehouse signals were integrated into the F&G.
The said work was done safety and on schedule thanks to extensive preparation over the past few months, and well-coordinated efforts of Moscow office, Regions and contractors.
Given the planned nature of the shutdown, it did not affect the transportation volumes.
FYI:
The CPC pipeline system is one of the largest investment projects with foreign capital in the energy sector in the CIS. The length of Tengiz-Novorossiysk pipeline is 1,511 km; more than two thirds of all export crude oil from Kazakhstan and crude oil from the Russian fields, including those in the Caspian Region, are transported by this route. CPC Marine Terminal is equipped with three Single Point Moorings (SPM) that allow to load tankers safely at a significant distance offshore, also amid poor weather conditions.
CPC Shareholders: Russian Federation (represented by Transneft – 24% and CPC Company – 7%) – 31%; Republic of Kazakhstan (represented by Kazmunaygaz – 19% and Kazakhstan Pipeline Ventures LLC – 1.75%) – 20.75%; Chevron Caspian Pipeline Consortium Company - 15%, LUKARCO B.V. - 12.5%, Mobil Caspian Pipeline Company – 7.5%, Rosneft-Shell Caspian Ventures Limited – 7.5%, BG Overseas Holding Limited - 2%, Eni International N.A. N.V. - 2% and Oryx Caspian Pipeline LLC – 1.75%.