TAR works in Georgia - Khazarengineering

Southern Caucasus Pipeline Expansion (SCPX) Welding and Fit-Up services during Pipeline Shutdown

In August 2017, Khazar Fabrication mobilized teams to two brownfield sites in Georgia to execute welding and fit-up work scopes during the schedule-critical shutdown of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP).

At Metering Station 72 (MS72) close to the Azerbaijan – Georgia border,  Khazar Fabrication performed the fabrication and installation of a number of carbon steel and stainless steel spools within the station’s water bath heater and fiscal metering skid areas.

At Metering Station 80 (MS80) close to the Georgia – Turkey border, Khazar Fabrication performed the fit-up and welding of a custom 30” x 30” x 24” tee piece into the TANAP export line.

Notable achievements and challenges overcome during the project include:

• At MS72, Khazar Fabrication highlighted to the Client before commencement of the pipeline shutdown that the extensive number of spools to be fabricated could pose a potential schedule risk.  Khazar Fabrication proactively mobilized personnel to MS72 before the critical shutdown period to perform pre-fabrication where possible and mitigate the risk on the Client’s schedule
• Using state-of-the-art laser scanning equipment at MS72, Khazar Fabrication’s surveyors assessed pre-fabricated spools delivered by a different subcontractor to remove the necessity for green material and field-fit welding.  The survey activities and subsequent modification of pipe spools by Khazar Fabrication guaranteed a first time fit on site
• Procurement and delivery of installation aids (pipe dollies, purging dams, adjustable pipe stands) at the request of the Client and outside of Khazar Fabrication’s original scope of work to assist in other work scopes
•  At MS80, after the existing 30” section of line pipe was removed substantial ovality was observed in the decade-old material rendering fit-up and welding extremely difficult in its current state.  Khazar Fabrication welders resolved this issue through buttering of the internal surface of the pipe in applicable areas to ensure that acceptable fit up was achieved.  The approach and workmanship of Khazar Fabrication’s welders and fitters ensured the critical path of the the project schedule was not affected
• At MS80, Khazar Fabrication produced 2-off defect free butt welds (30mm thickness) on the 30” line in order to install the new custom tee.  The welding was completed in accordance with the critical path of the project schedule.