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This subject outlines the procedure for the displacement of line fill using nitrogen
as the displacement medium. The aim is to evacuate the line section with an
inert gas to allow for the safe and efficient removal or replacement of line pipe or
other maintenance/construction activities.
A job specific execution plan will be required to cover specifics not detailed in this
general procedure. A written plan for the specific displacement operation should
be prepared by the activity co-ordinator.
REFERENCES
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
Calculations
Calculations that should be consider (but are not limited to) the following:
1. The volume of product to be displaced.
2. The pipeline profile to determine the maximum change in
elevation over the displacement line section.
3. The specific gravity of the product to be displaced.
4. The volume of nitrogen to be used during the displacement
(include a minimum 10% contingency factor).
5. Nitrogen injection pressures to be maintained.
6. Displacement rate and anticipated duration.
7. Minimum back pressures to be held at terminus, consideration
being given to elevations along the pipeline.
8. Blowdown requirements and duration.
Competent or Qualified
An appointed, authorized or designated person who has knowledge and
understanding, through experience and training on specific equipment that
is sufficient to meet all job requirements as determined by the employer.
Displacement Pigs
Foam or high density wrapped polypigs are suitable for short line sections.
Longer line sections require cupped polyethylene scrapers. Spheres are
not suitable for nitrogen displacement.
The downstream pigs, which form the seal between the nitrogen and the
product being displaced should be over-sized in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. This will minimize nitrogen/product
blending ahead of the pigs.
Some nitrogen bypass around displacement pigs is unavoidable. The
amount of bypass can be minimized by choosing the most appropriate pig
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Nitrogen Purging Critical
PROCEDURE DETAILS
Safety:
Nitrogen Purging can vary greatly depending on the scope of work and equipment being
utilized. The following procedure therefore contains phrases such as: if required and if
applicable in many of the steps. This procedure is intended to allow the user to follow the
steps appropriate to the work being done. Each step should be considered and if applicable
be followed as part of the procedure. The written Job Specific Execution Plan should outline
any steps required for the purge that are not covered in this general procedure.
Nitrogen Purging activities must be performed by competent and qualified persons, whether
TNPI employees or contractors.
Applicable Responsible
Yes/No Person
5)_____ INSTALL required vent fittings, PSV’s, piping for blowdown tanks
and other required hardware as per written plan.
7)_____ CONFIRM the status of the communication link with Line Control
before commencing nitrogen injection.
10)_____ LAUNCH pigs into a product batch from existing traps upstream
of the injection point. (REFER TO PROCEDURE: Pigging,
Launch and Receive Pigs)
a. _____ VERIFY separation, for pigs launched upstream, at a
predetermined location upstream of the nitrogen injection point.
This location is based on mainline rate and corresponding pig
travel speed.
OR
11)_____ ALTERNATIVELY LAUNCH from a temporary trap installed at
the injection point. (REFER TO PROCEDURE: Pigging, Launch
and Receive Pigs)
a. _____ VERIFY pig separation at predetermined location
downstream of the launch site.
12)_____ MONITOR closely thereafter.
a. _____ CONFIRM mainline rate with Line Control.
At the same time:
13)_____ VERIFY:
a. _____ Nitrogen pumpers are commencing cool-down period.
b. _____ Commencement of a reduced rate if required.
c. _____ Adequate separation between displacement and
recommissioning pigs to permit closing of upstream isolation
valve between the two.
d. _____ Initiation of an open line of communication with Line
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Nitrogen Purging Critical
18)_____ ADVISE Line Control, to close the upstream isolation valve and
begin nitrogen injection, once the displacement pigs are
confirmed to be past the injection point.
a. _____ ADVISE downstream operations, upon confirmation, that
nitrogen injection is on-line.
NOTES:
The rate of injection must be slow enough to maintain control of the purging operation. Back
pressure, held at the terminus, is the primary means of controlling purging rate. This rate should not
exceed the meter capacity.
The temperature of the nitrogen to be injected should be as close as practicable to existing ground
temperature.
Do not exceed MAOP pressure rating of the pipeline.
23)_____ BYPASS OR REMOVE, At an appropriate time before the
nitrogen/liquid interface arrives, the meter from the stream and
replaced with spools if required.
Re-commissioning:
33)_____ INSPECT pipeline for completeness of scope of work.
34)_____ REMOVE all installed blinds and locks ( Refer to Form: Lockout
and Drawing List)
44)_____ MONITOR all locations including drains, vents and flanges for
any signs of leakage.
45)_____ ADVISE downstream Terminals of potential nitrogen
entrainment.
46)_____ PRESSURIZE worked on line section:
a. _____ CHECK all work sites for leaks.
b. _____ ARRANGE for appropriate testing. (HOLS test)
47)_____ NOTIFY Line Control when the pipeline has been re-filled and
normal operations can resume.
48)_____ FORWARD all log sheets and other vital information to the
assigned supervisor and project co-ordinator.
a. _____ Logging of pressures and temperatures should be
documented at predetermined points along the pipeline route as
identified in the work plan.
b. _____ Volume and flow rates should be recorded at the nitrogen
injection point and the displacement terminus.
c. _____ Individuals assigned to track and log the progress of
pigs/scraper through the pipeline should do so in accordance
with a reporting procedure suitable to the needs of the specific
displacement operation.
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