Pipeline repair: status update
We have made good progress on the repair activities overnight, having now isolated (stoppled) the south side of the pipe
leak. The team is preparing to isolate the north side of the leak today. These are the necessary steps before we can cut
the pipe.
Importantly, the refinery remains on track to meet the Wiri delivery window (midday Sunday the 24th and midday Tuesday
the 26th).
The Repair in further detail:
On the south side
o The split tee has been welded in place;
o The hole has been cut in the top of the pipe (for stopple access);
o The stopple has been fitted;
o Water has been flushed from the south site northwards, to ensure that the North stopple; site is air-free for
welding.
On the North side
o Scanning has confirmed that the pipe is now fully fluid-filled, in readiness for welding;
o The pipe has been prepared for welding readiness.
Today’s activity are on focused on the North side
o fitting the split tee;
o cutting the hole for stopple access; and
o fitting the stopple.
If we achieve all of this today then we move into the next phase of cutting out the damaged section of the pipe, (for
which we are busy finalising the necessary hazard assessment).
ENDS