On 29 November 2019, Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) in coordination with AO KazTransOil (KTO) and ТОО Tengizchevroil (ТCО) conducted in the Republic of Kazakhstan a comprehensive joint practical drill (CJPD) to remedy consequences of an installation defect at KP 20 of the Tengiz-Novorossiysk trunk oil pipeline. The participants were assigned to perform comprehensive work on containment and remediation of consequences of an oil spill caused by an operation wear of the CPC-K oil pipeline at KP 20, to practice interaction between the CPC-K/KTO/TCO emergency response units.
The CJPD theoretical part was arranged at the Tengiz ERS and included familiarization with the event program, technologies and methods of oil spill recovery, installation and use of pumps and tanks, sorbents, safety measures.
The CJPD practical part was arranged at KP 20 of the Tengiz-Novorossiysk trunk oil pipeline between the head Tengiz PS and Atyrau PS. According to the drill scenario, a pipeliner found an oil spill and reported it by radio to the Tengiz PS shift supervisor and KTO dispatcher: “Loss of oil pipeline integrity with an oil spill to be specified”. Relevant CPC/KTO/TCO services and units were notified, as well as the state emergencies department. Oil transportation via the pipeline was stopped conventionally, the damaged section was isolated by mainline ball valves, pressure was relieved towards Tengiz PS.
Then, according to the drill script, an Operations Control Center (OCC) was set up. The Tengiz ERS patrol group specified the conventional oil spill area (50 m2). Gas level was measured in the conventional oil spill area, dangerous zone was fenced off, absorbing barriers and mats were laid out. The specialized CPC/KTO/TCO units departed for the emergency site and deployed their resources. All in all, over 20 motor and special vehicles were engaged for CJPD.
Spilt oil was pumped into a 50-m3 soft tank МР-НТ, contaminated soil and oil sludge were gathered and taken to the TCO landfill (conventionally). After that, according to the scenario, there was a conventional ignition of oily soil and an excavator with one injured (second degree burns). The fire was contained and liquidated by fire units, the injured received medical help and was hospitalized, the burnt vehicle was towed out of the emergency site.
The damaged section of the oil pipeline was repaired conventionally, including a spool cutout and replacement, followed by radiographic control of welds. Upon positive results of radiographic and environmental examination at the emergency site, the OCC head issued instructions to fill in and start the oil pipeline. The repaired section of the oil pipeline was coated conventionally, protected lands at the work site were rehabilitated.
At the final stage of the drill, each participant underwent a personal knowledge test. After the summing-up, a report on CJPD completion was submitted to the Tengiz PS shift supervisor, TCO emergency operator and KTO dispatcher. The CPC regular annual comprehensive joint practical drill confirmed qualification of Consortium employees, knowledge of safety regulations, emergency skills, readiness for concerted actions in emergencies.
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CPC Pipeline System is one of the major investment projects in energy sector with participation of foreign capital in the CIS. The length of the Tengiz–Novorossiysk Pipeline is 1,511 km; it transports over two thirds of all Kazakhstan export crude, as well as crude from Russian oil fields, including the Caspian Region. 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: CPC Shareholders are Russian Federation (represented by Transneft – 24% and CPC Company – 7 %) – 31%; Republic of Kazakhstan (represented by KazMunayGas – 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%.