UK-based pipeline engineering specialist STATS Group has completed isolation and hydrostatic testing services project on behalf of a Gulf States operator.

Scope of the work involved provision of a verified barrier during hot work activities, followed by localized pressure testing of new welds/fittings during a planned shutdown for regular maintenance and the re-routing of new pipework.

During the shutdown, STATS supplied 28 in-line weld test tools of 2-20in size and six technicians.

STATS Group Qatar general manager Vikas Shangari said, "Our In-Line Weld Test Tools are deployed in to ambient pipework to provide a verified vapour barrier, allowing hot work to be safely and efficiently performed without the risk to personnel from the migration of flammable or harmful vapours. The same tool is then utilised to verify the integrity (hydro test) of the new weld or fitting."

"By taking this approach we were able to reduce system down-time and increase worksite safety by minimising pressure-test volume. Other time and efficiency savings were made by limiting the test area to only the new weld or welded components," Shangari added.

STATS said it used dual sealed test tools on more than 10 sites on the platform. The piping systems required no flooding and dewatering.

A spokesman for the operator said, "STATS mobilised and worked professionally to safely complete the workscopes against a tight delivery schedule."

"The start-up of the offshore production facilities one day in advance of the planned schedule demonstrates good planning and the decision to use STATS’ proven isolation and testing solutions had a positive impact on this project," the spokesman added.