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Integrity digs help monitor
and mitigate pipeline corrosion
Alyeska spends millions of dollars each year on investigations
and repairs to the mainline pipe based on data provided by
smart pigs. The investigations look for both external and
internal corrosion. External corrosion and mechanical damage
are measured with hand-held pit gauges, and Alyeska recently
tested a new laser scan technology that can enhance
precision and accuracy of measurements with improved speed.
If present, internal corrosion is measured with traditional
ultrasonic testing and non-destructive testing methods.
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In the Field
Pipeline Operations and Maintenance Reaches Historic
Milestone
On
September 30, Pipeline Operations and Maintenance achieved a
major safety milestone by marking an entire year without a
reportable incident, the first such achievement in Alyeska
history. It is a particularly impressive feat when you
consider the type of work this group does every day in the
most challenging conditions. It should be noted that
reportable incidents include any event that requires medical
treatment beyond basic first aid or an examination.
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President's Message
Kevin Hostler, President and CEO
Progress continues on Strategic Reconfiguration project
Alyeska continues to make major changes to the Trans Alaska
Pipeline System’s pump stations through our Strategic
Reconfiguration Project, one of the most significant
investments since construction of the pipeline.
Installation of electrically driven pumps at four critical
Pump Stations 1, 3, 4 and 9, along with modern automation
and control equipment, will allow the stations to be
operated remotely, like pipelines throughout the Lower 48.
The design also provides the flexibility to adjust for
future increases and decreases in crude oil flow
throughputs.
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Face to Face
Linda Lee, Valdez Marine Terminal Marine Operations
When Linda Lee left her small northern California town of
Potter Valley in 1976, she intended to make big money on the
pipeline then head back home a few months later. She didn’t
get that job, but she did get hooked on Alaska—particularly
the waters of Prince William Sound. She and her husband
started commercial shrimp fishing about this time, and then
in 1987 added the charter boat business they still operate.
And in 1989 and 1990 she used her captain’s license to
operate boats for the oil spill response efforts. Linda’s
experience also includes shrimping, kelping, seining,
halibut long lining and gill netting on the Copper River
flats.
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Integrity Management on TAPS
Leak Detection
Alyeska has
a network of monitoring systems that rely on two basic
elements for detecting leaks on the pipeline: on-line leak
detection and visual observation. The TAPS on-line leak
detection systems provide early notification of potential
pipeline leaks. They are composed of three independent
systems: deviation alarms for pressure and flow rate; line
volume balance; and transient volume balance.
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