Pigging coolers in an ATEX categorized environment on one of the world’s most safe and efficient gas plants proves IKM Ocean Team’s high standards of quality.
Nybro Gas Treatment Plant
Established in 1984, the plant receives gas from the Tyra and South Arne fields in the North Sea. Yearly approximately 7 billions m3 gas passes through the facility. On-site gas quality is controlled by rinsing off sulfur and eventual liquids before passing the gas to the transmission network.
Nybro Gas Treatment Plant, holds a reward stating the treatment plant as one of the world’s most safe and efficient gas treatment plants. Maintaining their quality approach the gas plant performs planned maintenance every 8th year.
Pigging of Coolers
Due to a reputation of quality work and safety focus, IKM Ocean Team was chosen to perform purification of two 18 mtr. long tube coolers each constructed with 3200 tubes of 13 mm. in diameter.
Separated Pipe
In this case the client asked IKM Ocean Team to perform a manual rinse adding plugs to 3200 pipes in two coolers with the purpose of removing sludge collected on the tube insides.
Similar to well known pigging projects, for IKM Ocean Team, in the off-shore environment, Nybro Gas Treatment Plant is an ATEX categorized environment.
Adaptive Method Saved Costs for the Client
Inside the perimeters of an ATEX area, a howling nozzle method cannot be used. Using a mechanical approach, the client obtained a high quality rinse with manual inspection and saved the expense of chemicals for purification.
Prepared Pipe for Flushing
Two different pig types were used: Plastic pigs were shot through the 13 mm. pipes using water and air pressures on approximately nine bar to mechanically rinse out the sludge. The plastic pigs were followed by foam pigs, drying out the tube insides ensuring the gas will not freeze and clutter on operation.
Contributing to Client Succes
Focusing on profitable production of gas for the North European market DONG does not compromise safety. Both commercial benefits and safety are values shared by IKM Ocean Team. As such, clients are served in a flexible and customized manner, testing and keeping a sharp control on quality. IKM Ocean Team is proud to contribute with its expertise and specialized equipment a for reaching the 2020 energy goal.