In June 2017, smart pigging has been completed on two sections of the Tengiz-Novorossiysk oil pipeline. The work was performed in Kalmykia and the Stavropol Region. The length of the sections pigged was 275 and 206 kilometers respectively.
Inline inspection was carried out with three types of inspection pigs run through the oil pipeline. A multichannel geometry tool allowed to check for faults in pipeline geometry (dents, corrugations, ovality) and verify bend radiuses. High-resolution magnetic inspection pigs were used to determine locations and assess the extent of defects oriented across the oil pipeline. And finally, ultrasonic inspection tools were used to look for such defects as corrosion, stratification, and scratch marks.
In early Q3, 2017, a similar inline inspection will be performed on a more than 250 km long section of the Tengiz-Novorossiysk pipeline in the Krasnodar Region. A technical report and an industrial safety expert opinion will be prepared based on inspection results. Any defects found by smart-pigging will be fixed as part scheduled repairs.
Inline inspection of trunk pipelines is a continuous and comprehensive effort. Systematic inspection of the technical condition of the Tengiz-Novorossiysk oil pipeline is one of priority tasks pursuant by CPC in order to ensure high level of industrial and environmental safety and mitigate emergency risks.
For reference:
CPC pipeline system is one of the largest investment projects in the energy industry with participation of foreign capital in the CIS. The length of the pipeline connecting the oil fields in Western Kazakhstan with the Marine Terminal near Novorossiysk is 1,511 km. CPC Marine Terminal is equipped with single point moorings which allow for safe tanker loading at a considerable distance from the shore, also when the weather conditions are unfavorable.
CPC Shareholders: Russian Federation (represented by Transneft – 24% of and CPC Company – 7%) – 31%; Republic of Kazakhstan (represented by KazMunayGaz – 19% of 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% of and Oryx Caspian Pipeline LLC – 1.75