Project: Trans Mountain Pipeline Project
Location: Alberta & British Columbia – Canada
Carrier Size: 30” Steel 483 grade 2 pipe
Casing Size: 60” steel casing
Spacer Model: HDXT-58W with Load Inserts
Kwik-ZIP spacers were recently utilised on a specific section of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project in Canada to assist one of the contractors working on the project. The contractor needed to complete an HDD component where two HDD pull-back casing sections needed to be protected at the entry and exit points of the run.
The Trans Mountain Pipeline System (‘TMPL’) is a multiple product pipeline system that carries both crude and refined products from Edmonton in Alberta Canada across to the Coast of British Columbia. The initial pipeline system was completed in 1953, and then in 2013 a project commenced to build a second duplicate pipeline system, running parallel to the existing pipeline.
Known as the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project, this duplication work would add 980 kms of pipe along with twelve new pumping stations to increase the Trans Mountain Pipeline capacity to more than double, from 300,000 barrels a day to almost 900,000 barrels a day. Line fill and commissioning was scheduled for the first quarter of 2024.
Whilst the project was fundamentally an open trench project, kwik-ZIP were approached to assist with a particular requirement where the contractor had been unable to find a suitable solution.
The requirement was to centralize ends of an HDD pullback casing at both the entry and exit points on two specific runs. Due to the existence of a 15-degree slope at each entry and exit point, the contractor was concerned about the potential damage to the casing and engaged kwik-ZIP to provide a specific solution to the scenario they were dealing with.
The solution was to use multiple spacer assembly rings using the HDXT-58W spacer model. This method was used on each end section of the 30” pipe and due to the large loads present, kwik-ZIP load inserts were installed in each alternate runner.
HDXT load inserts are designed to be used with the Kwik-ZIP HDXT casing spacers to provide additional load capacity for very heavy applications or where high point loadings on one runner are experienced.
Although kwik-ZIP products have comprehensive instructions that are added to every box supplied, due to the contractors’ specific challenges, a project specific set were compiled and sent to ensure a trouble-free installation and utilisation.
Kwik-ZIP pride themselves on their ability to provide customised solutions to customers as required, with a focus on ensuring a successful outcome for the project.
Kwik-ZIP’s large range of spacers caters for a wide range of carrier / casing pipe size combinations as well as providing flexibility to deal with project alterations.
Kwik-ZIP spacers have no metal parts and are made from Kwik-ZIP’s engineered thermoplastic blend that is flexible, extremely tough and has a low co-efficient of friction.
For further information on kwik-ZIP products and to discuss your specific project requirements please contact us at sales@kwikzip.com