STANDARDS PUBLICATION

CORPORATE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION FOR

PRE-COMMISSIONING AND COMMISSIONING OF
NEW PIPELINES

DOC. NO.: QP-SPC-L-012

(Formerly ES-L-40-2)

REVISION 1

CORPORATE QUALITY & MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT

 CORPORATE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION FOR PRE-COMMISSIONING
AND COMMISSIONING OF PIPELINES
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD…………………………………………………………………………………....3
1.0 OBJECTIVE .............................................................................................................4
2.0 SCOPE.....................................................................................................................4
3.0 APPLICATION .........................................................................................................4
4.0 DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS.........................................................................4
4.1 DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................4
4.2 ABBREVIATIONS ...........................................................................................................5
5.0 REFERENCE STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS ............................................5
5.1 NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS .................................................................5
5.2 QP STANDARDS............................................................................................................5
5.3 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE ...........................................................................................5
6.0 EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION................................................................6
6.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................6
6.2 EQUIPMENT...................................................................................................................6
6.3 INSTRUMENTATION......................................................................................................7
6.4 PIGS AND PIGGING OPERATIONS..............................................................................8
7.0 PRE-COMMISSIONING AND COMMISSIONING OPERATIONS ...........................9
71 OPERATIONAL SEQUENCE .........................................................................................9
7.2 PRE-COMMISSIONING AND COMMISSIONING STAGES ..........................................9
8.0 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.....................................................................................16
8.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................16
8.2 PIPELINE DEWATERING ............................................................................................16
8.3 VACUUM DRYING AND DRY AIR PURGING .............................................................17
8.4 AIR DRYING .................................................................................................................18
8.5 BASELINE SURVEY.....................................................................................................18
9.0 HSE AND PERMITS REQUIREMENTS.................................................................18
10.0 OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS..........................................................................19
10.1 GENERAL .....................................................................................................................19
10.2 WATER AVAILABILITY.................................................................................................19
10.3 WATER DISPOSABLE .................................................................................................19
11.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE .......................................................................................21
12.0 DOCUMENTATION...............................................................................................21
12.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................21
12.2 PIPELINE DEWATERING MANUAL ............................................................................23
12.3 MANUAL FOR INTERNAL DRYING.............................................................................24
12.4 FINAL DOCUMENTATION FOR DEWATERING, DRYING AND INERTING ..............25
13.0 APPENDIX
13.1 APPENDIX I- TABLE(1) PRESERVATION MEASURES FOR WATER FILLED ......26
13.2 APPENDIX II- FIGURE (I) PRE-COMMISSIONING SEQUENCE..............………… 27
REVISION HISTORY LOG ............................................................................................28

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FOREWORD

This document has been developed by Corporate Quality and Management systems
Department, reviewed by corporate user Departments before endorsed by concerned QP
Management for use as Corporate Technical Specification for Hydrostatic Testing of New
Pipelines.

This specification supersedes the existing QP specification for Pipelines Pre-

commissioning and commissioning (ES-L-40.2).

This document is published for QP Departments/ Contractors/ Consultants utilisation.

It should be emphasised that this document is to be used for QP operations wherever

applicable and appropriate.

This document in its present form reflects as far as possible the current QP requirements
taking into account the known available industry practices and the applicable latest
national and international standards.

This document is subject to periodical review to re-affirm its adequacy or to conform to

any changes in the corporate requirements or to include new developments on its
subject as captured by International /industry Standards.

It is recognized that there will be case where addenda, data sheets, or other clarifications
need to be attached to the standard to suit a specific application or service environment.
As such, the content of the document shall not be changed or re-edited by any user (QP
or its contractors, suppliers, agents, etc.), but any addenda or clarifications entailing
major changes shall be brought to the attention of the Custodian Department.

The Custodian of this document is Corporate Quality and Management systems

Department therefore, all technical comments, views, recommendations, etc on this
document should be forward to:

Manager
Corporate Quality and Management systems Department (QA)
Royal Plaza Building,
4th floor,
Tel. 4138333
Fax: 4291066
E-mail : sss_alnaimi@qp.co.qa

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1.0 OBJECTIVE
1.1 This document is issued to define corporate requirement for the pre-commissioning and
commissioning of new pipelines within the state of Qatar for the interest of Qatar
Petroleum.

2.0 SCOPE
2.1 The scope of the pipeline pre-commissioning defined herewith shall include dewatering,
drying, nitrogen purging and packing, reinstating all terminations and pipeline mothballing
as well as all the necessary HSE precautions, equipment and media,as required based
on the recommendations from pre-commissioning study developed as part of detailed
design activity. The subsequent introduction of the product into the pipeline falls under
commissioning scope.
2.2 This document cover the pre-commissioning and commissioning of new onshore and
offshore carbon steel pipelines, flow-coated, non-flow-coated pipeline, stainless steel
pipeline, CRA cladded pipelines, GRE/GRP pipelines, which have been cleaned, gauged
and flooded as per QP Specifications No. QP-SPC-L-010 and passed hydrostatic test as
per Specification QP-SPC-L-011 and remain filled with the test water.
2.3 Throughout the execution of the pre-commissioning and commissioning work, contractor
shall take appropriate measures and due care not to damage any piggyback umbilical or
other attached appurtenances, if any.

3.0 APPLICATION
3.1 This specification is intended for application by QP, their consultants, contractors, sub-
contractors and parties intend to operate pipelines under QP interest.
3.2 This specification shall be used in conjunction with proper engineering study to address
pre-commissioning and commission requirements suitable for the intended pipeline
operating and maintenance scenario which shall be performed prior to utilizing this
specification.

4.0 DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS

4.1 DEFINITIONS
Contractor Party which carries out all or part of design, engineering,
procurement, installation and commissioning of a project or
operation of the facility.

Consultant Design Consultant to the Contractor

Contract Agreement between QP and the Contractor

Engineer Engineering Department representative

Purchaser

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Pre-commissioning A series of activities (as described in 2.1 and Figure 1) executed

to prepare the pipeline for commissioning.
Hydrostatic test the pressure at which the pipeline is tested for strength using
pressure water as medium

4.2 ABBREVIATIONS
CRA Corrosion Resistance Alloy
GRE Glass Fibre-reinforced epoxy.
GRP Glass Fibre-reinforced plastic.
QP Qatar Petroleum
MFL Magnetic Flux Leakage
ROW Right of Way

5.0 REFERENCE STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Latest edition of the following standards shall apply unless otherwise amended by this
specification.
5.1 NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
ANSI/ASME B31.8 - Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems
ANSI/ASME B31.4 - Pipeline Transportation System for Liquid Hydrocarbon and
Other Liquids
DNV-OS-F101 - Submarine Pipeline Systems
ISO 9001:2000 - Quality Management Systems-Requirements
5.2 QP STANDARDS
QP-STD-Q-004 - Quality Requirements for Project
QP-SPC-L-010 - Technical Specification for Pipeline Cleaning, Gauging and
Flooding
QP-SPC-L-011 - Technical Specification for Hydrostatic Testing of Pipelines
QP-PHL-S-001 - QP Corporate Fire and Safety Philosophy
ES-L-30.1 - Offshore Pipeline Installation.
ES-L-30.2 - Fabrication of Submarine Pipelines
5.3 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
In case of any conflict between the requirements of this specification and the
referenced standards and specifications, the following precedence shall be applicable:
a. This Specification
b. Project Specifications
c. QP Standards/Specifications
d. Other approved International Standards

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6.0 EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION

6.1 GENERAL

6.1.1 Only equipment and instrumentation built or adapted to local environmental conditions
found in Qatar shall be used for the pre-commissioning and commissioning (work).

6.1.2 All equipment and instrumentation shall be proved suitable for use and demonstrate its
capability of meeting the specified performance necessary for the pre-commissioning
and commissioning work. For this purpose, all equipment and instrumentation shall be
"function tested"

a) First function test shall be carried out prior to mobilisation at site. Once accepted,
equipment and instrumentation shall be reserved and set aside for the pre-
commissioning and commissioning work.

b) Second function test is a repeat of the first but performed on-site with the equipment
and instrumentation in position together with all ancillaries and monitoring. Not until
the second function test is completed and accepted, shall mobilisation be deemed
complete and operations are allowed to commence.

6.1.3 All equipment and instrumentation shall be fully documented and controlled throughout
the contract period. To this purpose every individual item shall be uniquely identified by
the Contractor, tag number and its full performance history logged (inclusive of break
downs, maintenance, etc.) from the time of its first function test through to
demobilisation inclusive of valid calibration certificates to an engineering international
standard or equivalent.

6.1.4 If at any time an equipment or instrumentation fails to satisfy its acceptance

requirements then it shall be replaced under Contractor’s responsibility. In order to
meet schedule requirements, the Contractor shall supply and install 100% redundancy
for calibrated equipment and instrumentation.

6.2 EQUIPMENT

6.2.1 The Contractor shall furnish all the necessary materials, equipment, fire fighting
equipment and barriers, personnel, utilities, spares, consumables, computers and
instrumentation required to perform the Work as described in this specification. This
shall include but not be limited to, vacuum drying equipment, chemical dosing
equipment, testing equipment, temporary pig traps, fill pumps and drivers, compressors
and drivers for supplying oil free air, calliper, and batching pigs, settling tanks, storage
and break tanks, filters, invasion piping, instrumentation, pig signallers and tracking
facilities, tankage and disposal facilities for flushing water, interconnecting pipe-work
and associated equipment between the disposal facilities and the pipeline section(s).

6.2.2 Contractor shall submit and ensure adequacy of the electrical equipment, test cabins,
welding equipment for temporary equipment and flexible hoses along with
requirements.

6.2.3 All equipment shall be of suitable pressure and capacity required for pipeline pre-
commissioning activities.

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6.2.4 The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to ensure no harmful vibration and
noise from the equipment.

6.2.5 Temporary pig traps capable of accommodating dewatering pigs shall be designed and
installed by the Contractor and approved by QP.

6.2.6 Prior to commencement of pipeline dewatering, the Contractor shall ensure that tanks
and/or evaporation pits are available for use and their sizes are adequate to allow for all
contingency operations.

6.2.7 The Contractor shall be required to remove any temporary anti-corrosion protection
from internals of all valves prior to Vacuum Drying.

6.2.8 The Contractor’s attention is drawn to the fact that some pipeline equipment may be
greased. The influence of such grease on the pipeline drying operations shall be
ascertained and QP advised accordingly. Any corrective actions required shall be
agreed in advance with QP.

6.2.9 Upon completion of pipeline dewatering, the Contractor shall remove all interconnecting
pipe-work and associated equipment between the disposal tankage and/or evaporation
ponds and the pipeline section(s).

6.2.10 The Contractor shall supply necessary inerting medium and associated equipment such
as nitrogen evaporation units, tanks, hoses, pipe-work, manifolds, instrumentation,
necessary to inert and line-pack the pipeline(s) to the required pressure.

6.3 INSTRUMENTATION

6.3.1 Instruments to monitor and continuously record the airflow, dew points, nitrogen, water
flow, pressures, temperatures, at the inlet and discharge end of the pipeline section(s)
shall be as follows:-
a) Flow-meters with an accuracy of better than 0.15%
b) Pressure gauges, transmitter and chart recorders shall operate in a range of 40 to
70 per cent of their maximum indication with an accuracy of better than 0.1%, all
gauges and recorders shall be within calibration validity period
c) Temperatures recorders with an accuracy of better than 0.2%, all recorders shall be
within calibration validity period
d) Dew point meters with a dew point sensor ranging from +20 o C to - 50 o C with an
accuracy of better than ± 2o C.
6.3.2 The Contractor shall be required to utilise a computer software system to continuously
monitor and record the output from instrumentation used during each of the pre-
commissioning activities and for storage of all data produced during pre-commissioning.

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6.4 PIGS AND PIGGING OPERATIONS

6.4.1 All pigging operations shall be continuous and not interrupted until the last pig has been
received.

6.4.2 Contractor shall ensure that all pigs are fitted with transponders and suitable tracking
device capable to detect in the event of lost or stuck pig.

6.4.3 Valves around the pig trap that need to be operated during the pre-commissioning
works (as indicated on the P & ID's) shall be inspected after pre-commissioning for
damage and where necessary trim/seats replaced by the Contractor.

6.4.4 The first and last pig in any train shall be fitted with a locating device.

6.4.5 Only pigs of a design / manufacture with proven track record for the proposed duty shall
be used. Track record shall include details outlined below. Full design details including
a construction drawing of the pigs shall be furnished for prior approval by QP.

6.4.6 Prior to use, all pigs shall be shown to be "fit for purpose", and have documented track
records for use in pipelines with similar duties and dimensions. If not then pig trials
shall be carried out at Contractors base prior to mobilisation.

6.4.7 The trials shall be performed to show the ability of the pig discs/cup to withstand an
acceptable differential pressure for the length of pipelines being considered and under
the following circumstances;
a) Water in front and air behind the pig (bulk dewatering)
b) Air in front and air behind the pig (residual water displacement)
6.4.8 The Contractor shall establish the pressure required to turn the discs/cups of the pigs
for each of the above conditions.

6.4.9 Where pigs are equipped with bypass facilities, the optimum setting and rates shall also
be determined by the Contractor during the trials.

6.4.10 The Contractor shall demonstrate the wear characteristics of the cups, brushes, the
effect of debris on the cups, magnetic holding capabilities, and the effect on the cup
material behaving as a matrix for the debris and hence becoming abrasive.

6.4.11 Immediately prior to launching and upon receipt, each pig shall be visually inspected,
full details noted on an approved check list format and photos taken. Each pig shall be
uniquely identified and marked for direction of travel, pig train position etc.

6.4.12 The Contractor shall determine efficiency of each pig used during cleaning and
dewatering operations.

6.4.13 If it is shown that any pig has not performed in accordance with its designation or due to
its failure, has proved detrimental to the performance of the pig train of which it was a
part, then this shall require that the whole pig train be re-run at Contractor’s cost.

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6.4.14 QP representative shall be immediately notified when a pig is stuck or lost. Attempt to
dislodge stuck pig shall not be carried out without QP instruction. The pressure applied
to recover the pig shall be not more than the MAOP or the pipeline design pressure.

7.0 PRE-COMMISSIONING AND COMMISSIONING OPERATIONS

7.1 OPERATIONAL SEQUENCE

7.1.1 In order to condition the pipeline suitable for the intended operating and maintenance
activity, it is essential that pre-commission is selected and implemented accordingly in a
proper manner with adequate precision taken into account all details for each selected
stage. The sequence of pre-commissioning activities is outlined in Figure 1 included in
Appendix of this document. As shown in the flowchart and the notes given underneath,
pipeline pre-commissioning can be performed by either of following two options;
a) Option 1: No involvement of final product
b) Option 2: Involvement of final product
7.1.2 Option 2 can be recommended only for pipeline to be operated within 3(three) month
after hydrostatic test, with water or product containing water as part of the product
compositions with continuous corrosion inhibition facility. Pipeline pre-commissioning
shall be performed with Option 1 activities for other pipeline unless approved otherwise
by QP.

7.1.3 The selection of proposed pre-commission activity must be carried out during the
design stage under pipeline pre-commission and commissioning study activity. The
study shall include review of pipeline data including; line-pipe material, product
composition, treatment of line fill water, isometric drawings of the pipeline and the
associated tie-in and network arrangement to ensure that the recommended activity
can be performed successfully; paying particular attention on eliminating possible water
trap during drying activity (if any). Selection of pipeline preservation method and water
treatment requirement as well as management of the inert product after commissioning
must be addressed during the study.

7.1.4 Upon approval of the recommended pre-commissioning activity, the Contractor shall
submit for QP approval, Pre-commissioning Manual which cover pre-commissioning
plan with detailed procedures, calculations, schedules and other requirements
mentioned in this specification.

7.1.5 During the execution of the pre-commissioning works, each stage stipulated in the Pre-
commissioning Manual shall be followed accordingly and shall be monitored and
accepted by QP before passing to the next stage.

7.2 PRE-COMMISSIONING AND COMMISSIONING STAGES

7.2.1 General
The interface between Contractor (EPIC) with the pipeline cleaning, gauging and
testing (sub) Contractor, the pre-commissioning (sub) Contractor and QP operation and

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maintenance team is important to ensure an effective transition between phases. Each

party must be aware of the proposed sequence and important details of the related
scope.
Prior to the execution of the pre-commissioning work, a written confirmation should be
received and documented to ensure that the pipeline shall be cleaned, gauged and
flood with treated test water in accordance with QP-SPC-L-010* and the pressure
tested in accordance with QP-SPC-L-011*. The pre-commissioning (sub) Contractor
must be aware of the source of and the treatment applied on the water fill.
7.2.2 Pre-commissioning
a) Pipeline Dewatering
When decision is made to perform Option 1 pre-commissioning sequence, pipeline
dewatering shall commence after completion of hydrostatic testing of the newly
constructed pipeline. The bulk of water shall be expelled from the pipeline by a train
of mechanical pigs with “hi-seal” type facilities and equipped with pig tracking device.
Whenever possible, the discharged water can be re-used for line filling of any similar
pipeline in the project by utilizing intermediate storage tank provided that discharged
water meet the specification of line fill water.
For onshore pipeline the final waste water shall be disposed as per Section 10 of this
specification. The waste water can be disposed in to the seawater offshore by
having discharge piping extending at least three meter below mean sea level.
First pig train shall be designed to achieve bulk dewatering of the pipeline propel using
compressed dry air. The air flow-rate and pressure shall be controlled to give a pig
velocity of 0.5m/s to 1.0m/s. The dewatering shall continue until the volume of water
removed by the last pig train meet the requirement stipulated in Section 7.
If salt water was introduced to the pipeline (not recommended), fresh water swabbing
immediately after the first de-watering pig shall be performed to reduce the salt content
of the residual water is less than 200mg per kg of water for swabbing propelled by air.
If the fresh water swabbing is followed by a batch of glycol or methanol, it is adequate
to pig through the pipeline the volume of fresh water calculated below. The
requirement for fresh water swabbing are;

ƒ Fresh water of about 4% of the overall pipeline volume shall be driven through the
in a batches contained by pigs;
ƒ The volume of fresh water between two pigs shall be determined using :
Volume, V = f × ID × L

f = factor for pigging (0.7 for internally uncoated pipe and 0.5 internally coated pipe)

ID = internal diameter of the pipeline

L = Overall pipeline length
The calculated overall batch volume shall be not less than 25 linear meter pipeline
length.
ƒ The travelling speed and internal pressure shall be the same as for the de-watering
process.

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ƒ The fresh water shall be treated in accordance with Table 1 in Appendix of this
specification.
Contractor shall specify in their procedure the pig train arrangement he intends to run
to satisfy the acceptance criteria defined in Section 7.
Quantity of water removed by each pig shall be measured and a report produced of
the results. The approximate efficiency of each pig in removing water shall be
determined.
Second train shall be designed to remove and distribute residual water along the
length of the line (swabbing), so as to achieve maximum benefit for subsequent drying
operations. Prior to launching, the pigs shall be weighed and measured.
The pig train shall consist of a high sealing disc pig followed by foam pigs of varying
densities. The train of minimum three pigs shall be run through the pipeline section.
Contractor shall ensure that these pigs have sufficient resistance against wear to travel
the length of the pipeline section in good condition.
On arrival at the downstream end, the pigs shall be weighed and measured.
Contractor shall supply the necessary weighing equipment suitable for weighing pigs
before launching and after they are retrieved.
Subsequent trains shall use the same pig types and spacing.
The pig velocity shall not exceed 1.5 m/sec. Upon arrival of the pigs at the
downstream end, the discharge shall be so maintained as to keep the pig speed to
almost zero when it enters the pig trap. Contractor shall submit calculation in this
regard.
During the swabbing operation, the Contractor shall monitor and record, every 30
minutes, all relevant parameters related to the volume of air pumped behind the pigs,
pig velocities, the pig location and the pressure at the pipeline ends. The information
regarding swabbing operation shall include;
ƒ A plot with pig speed and location versus time computed and recorded.
ƒ A table with pig details and running time.
ƒ A pressure versus time graph.
ƒ A table of pig weights before and after running, the loading time and arrival time
shall also be recorded.
ƒ Treatment of the fresh water
Only oil free, compressed and dehydrated air with dew point of 5oC below the
minimum temperature along the pipeline measured at 1 barg shall be used for the
displacement of the dewatering pigs.
The Contractor shall ensure continuous operation between dewatering and drying.
Pipeline shall not be left in dewatered condition more than one (1) week unless
otherwise permitted with authorization by authorised QP personnel or in the contact
document. Second dewatering run shall be repeated if drying does not commence
within 36 hour after the dewatering activity.
Pipeline de-watering for Option 2 pre-commissioning/commissioning is driven by
using the product itself with only one dewatering run. If the pipeline was filled with
water containing salt, swabbing by inhibited fresh water immediately after the first de-

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watering pig shall be performed. The pig train must be also equipped with a tracking
device.
Depending on the recommendation from the pre-commissioning study regarding the
required water removal specification or for prevention of hydrate formation
requirement for gas pipeline, the fresh water swabbing may be followed by a batch of
glycol or methanol. The calculation for volume glycol/methanol containing between
two pigs shall be the same as that for fresh water swabbing. The total batch volume
shall be also not less. than 25m pipeline linear meter.
The pipeline product can be introduced immediately after the last dewatering or
swabbing pig.
b) Vacuum Drying
Vacuum drying is the preferred method to dry all offshore and onshore pipelines
unless proven not viable due to space or other constraint while air drying method can
achieve the required drying specification.
Before the start of the drying operation, the Contractor will test the piping of the
temporary launchers / receivers for any in-leaks to find out the leakage rate and
attend to it, if serious, or match the pumping capacity to match the expected leak
rate, in such a way as to ensure the leaks can easily be coped with.
Vacuum plant shall be located at each end of the line section being dried. The
downstream end shall have increased capacity available for efficient purging to be
undertaken. For stainless steel pipe and CRA pipe, the vacuum unit shall be
capable to reduce the pipeline pressure to the vaporization pressure within 24 hours
of commencement of vacuum dry operation.
The Contractor shall provide sufficient instrumentation and computers, including
back-up to continuously - monitor, record and measure progress of the drying
process.
The following two approaches can be adopted:
ƒ Vacuum drying to achieve the absolute pipeline pressure corresponding to the
dew point required.
ƒ Vacuum drying to achieve the absolute pipeline pressure required and then
vacuum purging with dry medium until the dew point is achieved.
The drying process shall consist of the following stages:
i. Evacuation
This process begins when the vacuum plant starts to evacuate the air saturated
with water vapour after the dewatering. During this phase only minimum of the
remaining water in the pipeline will evaporate. The evacuation is completed when
the pressure reaches the saturated water vapour pressure (Ps) for the prevailing
temperature. The estimated evacuation period shall be stated in the pre-
commissioning manual, calculate based on the pipeline volume, the vacuuming
rate and pressures.
ii. Evaporation
The remaining water in the pipeline will be evaporating after the pressure has
decreased below the saturated water vapour pressure. The pressure shall remain

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stable until all free water has vaporized. Ice formation due to the local heat influx
from the surroundings could not match the heat for evaporation could occur during
this process causing pressure drop which could be mistaken for indication of
complete water removal has been achieved. To ensure that all free water is finally
removed, a stable vacuum condition shall be maintained to observe any indication
of increase in pressure (more than the temperature fluctuation effect) as a result
of the present of water from the melted ice. The end of this phase and the
beginning final stage occurs when the fall of pressure observed nearly matches
with pump rate without anymore increase of pressure higher than the effect of
pipeline/surrounding temperature fluctuation.
iii. Final drying
During this phase the vapour from the evaporated water is evacuated from the
pipeline until the required level of dryness is achieved. This phase end after the
pressure drop has finally reach stable condition at the specified value. As final
drying is a subsequent even after the evaporation stage, this phase might have
taken place concurrently while observing for complete evaporation of residual
water. For assurance of successful drying, contract shall show that the pressure
vs. time curve matches with pressure vs. temperature curve during the actual
vacuum drying exercise.
iv. Soak Test
This test shall be carried to confirm that the drying has been achieved
satisfactorily. During this test the pressure is held at lowest possible level without
pumping condition and variations of pressure are accurately monitored over a long
period. As a minimum the duration of 48-hours shall be considered. The
pressure fluctuation shall be within the range associated with the change of
pipeline temperature. Increase of pressure exceeding this range indicates the
present some residual water whereby the vacuum process must be repeated.
Contractor shall provide records on the following;
ƒ A pressure vs time plot of the evacuation process for the range of the expect
pump rate.
ƒ The pipeline and environmental temperature during the process recorded every
half an hour.
ƒ The saturated vapour pressure of water of the associated temperature.
ƒ The pressure during the evaporation stage.
ƒ A pressure vs time plot of covering all phased from evacuation, evaporation and
final drying and followed with soak test.
ƒ Date and time of each operation.
c) Air Drying
This method shall not be opted unless it is proven that vacuum drying is not practical
or significantly uneconomical. Contractor shall provide detail procedure with support
calculation and charts for each individual pipeline to show that this method is viable.
This method shall not be proposed for pipeline section longer than 20km. In order to
avoid unacceptable rust formation as a result from the internal being exposed to air
for long period, contractor shall show that the drying exercise can be completed

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within reasonably short period. For stainless steel pipe and CRA pipe, nitrogen shall
be used for the drying medium instead or air.
Air drying method involve evaporation of water in to dry air which is continuously
passed through the pipeline with inlet pressure around 1.5 to 2.5 bar so that the
water absorption is maximizes. This method is limited by the effectiveness of the pig
to remove all the fine rust particles, therefore it important that the contractor to be
assured on the cleanliness of the pipeline prior to the actual drying process by
ensuring that the earlier cleaning work had been perform with significant detail such
that the percentage of solid received directly ahead of the last cleaning pig is close to
the minimum acceptable value defined in QP-SPC-L-010*.
The air drying shall be accompanied with foam pig driven by the dry air in order to
absorb and remove pool of water as well as distribute the residual water as a uniform
thin film on the surface of the interior wall so that it can evaporate faster. This
process shall be repeated until the desired drying level is achieved.
The dew point temperature measured at the outlet end of the pipeline shall be
recorded frequently and plotted in a graph versus time. The dew point value will only
started to fall when the pipeline is almost dry. The value will fall to about -20oC
rapidly and slowly reduce to any lower desired dew point level.
Theoretically, the inlet and outlet ends section of the pipeline will dry faster than the
mid section since the inlet section is exposed to air with initial dryness while outlet is
exposed to air at lowest pressure. Hence the dew point measured at the outlet end
of the pipeline does not necessarily indicative of the dryness of the whole pipeline.
The drying process shall be therefore immediately followed with purge check
replacing twice the content of the pipeline with dry nitrogen of dryness corresponding
to a water dew point of -50oC or better. The gas speed at the outlet end shall be no
more than 3m/s. The dew point temperature and the pressure at the inlet and outlet
end shall be monitored to meet the criteria defined in Clause 7.
Contractor shall provide records on the following;
ƒ The pressure and dew point of the dry air.
ƒ The pipeline and environmental temperature during the process recorded every
an hour.
ƒ Dew point of the air at pipeline outlet end throughout the drying process.
ƒ The dryness quality of nitrogen as well the oxygen and carbon dioxide content.
ƒ The pressure and the dew point measurement during the purge test.
ƒ Date and time of each operation.
d) Nitrogen Purge, Batch Chemical, Chemical Inhibition and Packing
Immediately after the vacuum drying is completed with satisfactory soak test,
nitrogen purging shall be carried out. The time between completion of soak test and
the purging operation shall not exceed 24 hours, otherwise QP reserve the right to
request for another soak test prior to commencement of the nitrogen purging. The
purge shall be carried out at the pressure at which the pipeline was left by
introducing nitrogen at one end and pumping out air at the other end until all air has
been displaced.
If air drying is selected, nitrogen purging is carried out as part of purge test.

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During purging it is necessary that the drying level achieved earlier is maintain and
monitored. If the pipeline commission is planned to more than two days latter the
line shall be preserved by pressurizing with nitrogen to slightly above atmospheric
pressure or 3 bar whichever is higher. If specified in the scope of work, the
Contractor shall run a batch of corrosion inhibitor through the pipeline sections
during this nitrogen packing.
The Contractor shall supply and dispose of all corrosion inhibitors and diluents and
supply all equipment, and consumables necessary to perform one batch treatment of
corrosion inhibitor for the pipeline. The Contractor shall calculate the batch volume
of inhibitor required and submit to QP for approval. The Contractor shall also
calculate the pressure required to drive pig train through the pipeline during batch
corrosion inhibitor treatment.
The batch of corrosion inhibitor shall be sized to achieve the inhibitor manufacturer’s
required film thickness and to ensure the complete internal surface is covered.
Batching pigs used shall be designed to give the required inhibitor coverage.
Contractor shall provide records on the following;
ƒ The pressure and dew point prior to purging.
ƒ The dryness quality of nitrogen as well the oxygen and carbon dioxide content.
ƒ The pressure applied for the line packing.
ƒ Date and time of the operation.
The pipeline shall then be tag with a warning sign indicating “PIPELINE IS PACKED
WITH NITROGEN AT XX BAR”. The line pack shall be regularly monitored,
recorded and the results are reported until it is commissioned.

7.2.3 Commissioning
The pre-commissioning contractor shall also responsible to assist QP for the
introduction of the hydrocarbon product during pipeline operation start-up or
commissioning unless specified otherwise in the scope of work.
a) Introducing Product
Introducing gas into a pipeline containing nitrogen packing can be performed direct
without separation buffer pig, provided that QP production team and/or customer
agree with it. In the case that it is considered unacceptable, the gas may be sent to
the flare or collected and re-cycled for future use.
For liquid line mechanical pig types with “hi-seal” facility shall be used to separate
the nitrogen from hydrocarbon product. The pig can be placed at the launcher’s
reducer in a launching position after completion of the pre-commissioning activity
and left there until it is time to commission the line. Similarly the nitrogen may be
vented to the environment subject to HSE acceptance with regard to the amount of
the gas to be discharged. Otherwise the discharged nitrogen shall be collected and
stored for future re-use.
Contractor shall include in their pre-commissioning and commissioning study report,
their recommended method for management of the discharges nitrogen.

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Refer to clause 7.2.2 for commission a pipeline which has been preserved with
treated water.
b) Baseline Intelligent Pig Survey (IP Survey)
As part of contractor’s confirmation on the fitness of the installed pipeline, intelligent
pigging inspection shall be carried out on all critical pipelines after six (6) month and
not more than one (1) year from the commission date for a pipeline being
commissioned and not more than six (6) month after completing the pre-
commissioning activity. The requirement and recommended time for baseline survey
of non-critical pipelines is to be proposed and agreed QP concern parties if the
commissioning date is intended to be long after the completion of the pre-
commissioning activity.
The Baseline survey shall use MFL low resolution tool, as per the project
specification Pigging Philosophy. The report shall present all metal loss, especial
sign of internal and external corrosion in an electronic file readable by Microsoft
Excel.

8.0 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

8.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The acceptance criteria shall be used as a guideline for:
a) A measure against which to accept the new pipeline system. It shall establish the
basis for Contractor's Engineering procedures and eventual execution of the pre-
commissioning activities.
b) A measure against which to accept the Work.
All pre-commissioning activities shall be witnessed, approved and documented by QP
prior to proceeding to the next step.
Contractor should submit written documentation to confirm pipeline dewatering, vacuum
drying, dry air purging and air drying have been completed and are acceptable to
parameter identified in this specification.
8.2 PIPELINE DEWATERING

8.2.1 The following acceptance criteria shall be used to define dewatering completion:
a) When successive pigs (during first stage of dewatering) fail to bring out any free
water in front of them. This requires separation of the air/water discharge from the
pipe and verification of the water component.
b) When foam pigs (during second stage of dewatering) arrive in damp/dry condition
at the receiving end of the pipeline. The increase in the pig weight shall not be
more that 5% of the total void volume capacity.

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8.2.2 The Contractor shall demonstrate that a satisfactory level of dewatering has been
achieved in order to pass on to drying. At the end of the complete dewatering
operation, a total balance should be made of extracted water and the accuracy of the
dewatered operation determined. The Contractor shall inform QP of the pig bypass and
the efficiency of each pig.

8.2.3 The contractor shall also check the salinity of fresh water flush to satisfy the
requirements given in clause 6.3.2 and advise QP accordingly.

8.3 VACUUM DRYING AND DRY AIR PURGING

8.3.1 The vacuum drying is considered complete when the pipeline is finally brought to the
required dew point specifications (The water dew point specification of -10°C at
atmospheric pressure in the gas).

8.3.2 The above dew point relates to pipeline hydrocarbons at atmospheric pressure. The
Contractor shall calculate and submit for approval the equivalent dew point in air that
will enable its acceptance criteria to be met.

8.3.3 This dew point criterion is defined for acceptance of the first stage drying plus
soak/purge test, nitrogen purging as well as line packing.

8.3.4 In order to achieve the dew point acceptance criterion, the Contractor shall adopt the
following methodology:
a) Evaluation of results shall be presented for all the vacuum drying stages i.e.
evacuation, evaporation and final drying, in which actual measurements are
compared to a calculated prediction generated by the Contractor from a computer
simulation. All divergences shall be analysed and explained to prove no adverse
phenomena i.e. freezing etc., have occurred.
b) Should the Contractor choose to adopt option ii) of Clause 6.3.2, evaluation of
results shall also be presented for the vacuum purging (dry air) stage of the work.
This requires a separate simulation for comparison purposes and should include
assessment of extracted water from the beginning of the operation, to determine
the efficiency of each purge cycle. This assessment shall also be continued
throughout the pipeline drying activities, from pipeline dewatering onwards.
c) After final drying, a satisfactory stabilisation period shall be completed i.e. soak
test. This shall be based on a minimum period of 24 hours and shall demonstrate
that no free water (evaporative) is left in the pipeline. For this purpose the results
from necessary leakage tests i.e. plant/station facility, in leakage at each end of the
pipeline, in leakage across ESD valves, signature leakage of the pipeline itself shall
be presented and correlated to the soak test results.
d) Achievement of a final draw down minimum dew point to the specification value or
better at a vacuum pressure of 2.6 mbar or more. This shall be measured at both
ends of the pipeline.

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8.3.5 Contractor shall perform a detailed computer simulation of all pipeline drying activities
required to achieve the aforementioned criteria. The Contractor shall be required to
submit validation of computer program used for QP’s approval.

8.4 AIR DRYING

8.4.1 The same as vacuum drying, the air drying is considered complete when the pipeline is
finally brought to the required dew point specifications given below:

8.4.2 (The water dew point specification of -10°C at atmospheric pressure in the gas.)

8.4.3 During purge test the line is considered dried if the pressure drop along the line is less
than 50% of the outlet pressure and the measured dew point is less than that specified
at both inlet and outlet. The same dew point shall be maintained during line packing.

8.4.4 Contractor shall also perform a detailed computer simulation of all pipeline drying
activities required to achieve the aforementioned criteria. The Contractor shall be
required to submit validation of computer program used for QP’s approval.

8.5 BASELINE SURVEY

The result of the baseline survey shall highlight metal loss more than 5%. Non-
corrosion metal loss more than the line-pipe manufacturing negative tolerance specified
in the line-pipe specification shall be considered unacceptable defect and shall be
repaired under contractor’s cost. For any identified corrosion defect, severity and the
route cause of the corrosion analysis shall be performed. If the corrosions were found
due to negligence by Contractor, Contractor is liable to carry out the necessary action
to reinstate it brand new condition as per project specification.

9.0 HSE AND PERMITS REQUIREMENTS

9.1 The Contractor shall provide a safety manual which shall cover as a minimum all
personnel, equipment and chemicals required to complete all pre-commissioning
activities.
9.2 The safety of personnel during the works shall be assured at all times. No procedure
shall be allowed which may endanger personnel. All safety precautions shall comply
with statutory and other relevant regulations.
9.3 The Contractor shall take all necessary measures to ensure that all personnel are
adequately protected during the course of the pre-commissioning and, in particular, to
ensure that no other work is permitted on the sections of the line for the duration of the
pre-commissioning.
9.4 The Contractor shall provide estimates of the noise levels expected during pre-
commissioning activities for QP approval.
9.5 Warning notices both in Arabic and English shall be placed at appropriate locations for
the duration of the Works. The boundaries of the equipment area shall be defined by
marker tapes.
9.6 When directed by QP, the Contractor shall in all ways co-operate with other operations
related to the pipeline construction or testing and/or facilities at the site.

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9.7 The Contractor shall be required to obtain all permits required for the treated water and
shall make contact with local government or private agencies for the necessary permits
or fees.
9.8 The Contractor shall take all precautions as specified by the suppliers when using and
handling all chemicals.
9.9 The Contractor shall take all precautions for the safe disposal of debris and water and
shall submit his procedure for QP approval.
9.10 The Contractor shall ensure that all equipment complies with QP Corporate Fire and
Safety Philosophy QP-PHL-S-001.
9.11 Contractor shall prepare an Emergency plan defining actions, personnel and facilities
required in case of emergency.

10.0 OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS

10.1 GENERAL
A number of constraints such as water availability and disposal exist which will directly
effect the execution of the pre-commissioning works. These, therefore, shall be
investigated and the environmental impact determined by the Contractor and submitted
to QP for approval.
10.2 WATER AVAILABILITY
10.2.1 Due to the geographical location of the pipelines, water availability could have an
impact on the sequence of operations.
10.2.2 All solutions shall be investigated by the Contractor to ensure an optimum approach is
adopted.
10.2.3 No aquifer water shall be used unless its complete chemical composition is known and
analysed and approved by QP. If aquifer water is used its chemical composition shall
be continuously monitored and recorded and if it exceeds the agreed set limits then the
supply shall be stopped.
10.3 WATER DISPOSAL

10.3.1 General
This is dependent on the total volumes and types of water to be disposed of.
For onshore pipeline all water shall be disposed of in suitably sized evaporation ponds,
tanks and/or tankers as further specified. The Contractor shall design and build all
evaporation ponds needed for water disposal.
QP may instruct the Contractor to dispose of all water which contains corrosion
inhibitor, biocides and oxygen scavenger in suitably sized evaporation ponds. The
disposal of the bulk water containing inhibitor and biocides shall be carefully executed
to prevent spillage. The method of disposal must not infringe the regulations of
authorities having jurisdiction and shall avoid pollution.
If fresh water is used in large quantities it shall be disposed of in evaporation ponds
unless good dispersion mechanisms are available.

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Approval from environmental department shall be obtained in order to dispose waste

water into the sea.
All methods of disposal must be approved by QP’s Environmental Department.
10.3.2 Evaporation Ponds
The evaporation ponds shall be sized to take all water resulting from dewatering and
other pre-commissioning activities including contingency for refills. The Contractor shall
provide security fencing around the evaporation ponds. Contractor shall also provide a
24 hour guard around the ponds to prevent unauthorised access until all water has
evaporated, and the land reinstated to its original condition.
Warning signs in English and Arabic shall be posted.
Evaporation ponds shall be sized such that the predicted discharge volume gives a
depth of no more than 2 metres. In addition, the pond shall have 1 metre additional
working depth between the design level and the normal fill level.
The Contractor shall submit calculations to demonstrate that evaporation shall take
place within the Work period. If the water will not naturally evaporate, then the
Contractor shall either dispose of water at another site approved by QP or shall speed
up evaporation by heating, aeration, chemicals or spraying etc.
All calculations relating to the Quantity of water for disposal shall be approved by QP.
Evaporation ponds shall be lined. The liner shall be suitable for all chemicals used and
have sufficient strength to prevent rupture during installation, storage and removal.
The Contractor shall remove and safely dispose of the liner and sludge or sediment
remaining and the reinstatement of the land to its original condition. The Contractor
may propose for QP’s review other methods of water disposal.
10.3.3 Disposal offshore
Should authorisation be given to dump water in offshore, then the following shall apply:
a) All water shall be discharged through multipoint discharges e.g. from perforated
pipe or from more than one orifice, to maximise dispersion and aeration.
b) The Contractor shall design and build all evaporation ponds needed for disposal of
water containing biocides and corrosion inhibitors.
c) If water is to be dumped into the sea, then unless tests have already been
performed and results readily available and acceptable to QP. The Contractor shall
be required to subject all chemicals and chemical packages to a 96 hour LC/50 test
on fish and crustaceans found in the areas where water is to be disposed of. The
aim of which shall be to demonstrate to QP that discharging of treated water shall
achieve one-hundredth part of that toxicity 300 metres from point of discharge.
Additional tests shall also be required on key organisms found in the area under the
locally prevailing conditions of temperature and salinity. It shall be the Contractor’s
responsibility to assess what key organisms exist by marine surveys etc., and a
report shall be compiled and submitted for Engineer’s approval.
d) All water disposed onshore shall comply with requirements of Paris convention for
Prevention of Marine Pollution from Land Based Discharges.

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If waters originally sourced onshore and treated with oxygen scavenger are
discharged to an inshore location, the Contractor shall ensure that significant
oxygen depletion of the waters does not occur. The oxygen levels shall not be
allowed to fall by more than 20%.
For offshore pipeline, the waste water disposal shall be carried out using piping to be
discharge at three (3) meters below mean sea level. The end of the piping shall be
fitted with a T-piece to reduce forces during operation. A break tank shall be installed in
the discharge piping before the location for the flow-meter installation to separate air
and water to enable a proper flow measurement. Two flow-metes with 0.2 percent
accuracy shall be arranged in series as per the standard industrial practice allow for
accurate measurement and prevent damage of the flow-meter during blow down of air
pressure when the pig has arrived.

11.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE

11.1 Contractor shall operate a Quality system meeting the requirements of the relevant part
of ISO 9001:2000. Guidance for Purchaser conformance requirements to ISO is given
in QP Standard No. QP-STD-Q-004.
11.2 Contractor shall provide documents such as plans, procedures, instructions, etc. for the
accomplishment of all works covered in this specification to provide the required quality.
Specific adherence to the guidelines set down in ISO 9001:2000 series. Documentation
shall be detailed out by the Contractor and shall be subject to review and approval by
QP. QP reserves the right to undertake such audit as deemed necessary to assess the
effectiveness and implementation of the Contractor’s Quality System.

12.0 DOCUMENTATION
12.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
• All correspondence, drawings, instructions, data sheets, design calculations, or any
other written information which may be within the manual shall be in English
language.
• All dimensions, units of measurements, physical constant, etc. should be in SI units
unless otherwise specified.
• In addition, all documents should be provided with electronic files in the approved
software (MS word, excel, AutoCAD) design calculations should be submitted in the
approved and widely used software agreed by QP
12.1.1 Documentation required
The pre-commissioning / Commissioning manual shall be submitted for QP approval
not latter than eight weeks before commencement at the work site(s). The manual
shall include but not limited to the following:
a) Brief description of the pipeline with details of the relevant pipeline data including
but not limited to product service, line size, wall thickness, design standard and
internal corrosion protection system.
b) Selected pre-commissioning/ Commissioning method from Figure 1 (as approved
during pre-commissioning study)

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c) Confirmation of hydrostatic test water quality and treatment as per QP-SPC-L-010

and QP-SPC-L-011 selected in accordance with Table 1 (in Appendix of this
specification)
d) Identification of all potential health, safety, and environmental hazard with
description of the contingency procedures and emergency plan.
e) Contractor’s organization chart for the work with description of responsibilities for
the key personnel, supported with reference of contractor past experience and
resume of the key personnel included as part attachments of the manual.
f) A procedure of each main activity (as shown in Figure 1) address each individual
pipeline outlining:
ƒ Step by step descriptions of the work describing the involvement personnel,
equipments, instruments, pigs and consumables.
ƒ Supporting documents including drawing, calculation, certificates and other
evidence necessary to demonstrate that the work will be executed in
accordance with the requirements.
ƒ Location and layout detailing hazardous area classifications for equipment and
supplies including water and disposal facilities.
g) Contingency procedure for locating lost pig including transponder/receiver type and
ultimately removal of stuck pigs.
h) Scope(s) of work and name(s) of subcontractor(s), if any and supplier(s)
i) Description of the interface and lines of communication with QP
The pre-commissioning/commissioning manual shall be developed to cover one
pipeline or more having the same type of service, line-pipe material, recommended
preservative and most importantly the same pre-commissioning sequence. A different
manual shall be developed when parameter effecting the pre-commissioning
requirements and sequence is different.
12.1.2 Documents formatting
The format of the Pre-commissioning Manual produced by the Contractor shall consist
of:
a) Scope
b) Definitions
c) Reference Specification
d) Pipeline and hydrostatic test water data
e) Selected pre-commissioning plan and organization chart
f) Procedure
g) Monitoring and Evaluation
h) Acceptance
i) Documentation
j) Schedule of submission of the pre-commissioning manual which shall include the
manual stages from draft report for QP comments, updated report after QP
comments to final report.

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k) Appendix
ƒ Pre-commissioning schematic drawing with the associated reference isometric
and P&ID drawings.
ƒ Calculation, chart, graph and other related supporting data.
ƒ Equipment for pre-commissioning and certification
ƒ Additional requirements including Safety and Permits
ƒ (Sub) contractor pas experience and resume or responsible personnel
12.2 DEWATERING MANUAL
Dewatering shall not commence until written approval is obtained. The manual shall
include the following requirements:
a) Calculation of time, required inlet flow and pressure for the operation and to
overcome the hydraulic profile of the line
b) Test procedures for all main equipment and instrumentation
c) Method of water disposal
d) Details of all equipment, materials instrumentation and computer and spares
needed during dewatering indicating the type and rating of all test equipment
e) Sizing and rating of all equipment
f) Procedure and calculations for monitoring pressure and flow at both ends of the
pipeline section(s)
g) Procedure for controlling flow, pressure and control of spacing of pigs
h) Procedures for pig launching/recovery using temporary and permanent facilities
i) Procedure for water sampling and analysis
j) List of personnel supervising dewatering operations with dates and time of duty,
location and duration of activities of all personnel required
k) Contractor shall name his authorised representative for the duration of activities
l) Acceptance criteria
m) Current certification (not more than 6 months old) for all instrumentation
n) Procedure for locating and tracking pigs
o) Contingency/recovery procedure to dislodge a stuck pig
p) Pig type and no. of pigs required with back-up calculations (also indicating the pig
efficiency considered)
q) Design details of temporary pig launchers/receivers
r) Details of all chemicals used, rates of injection discharge and any safety
precautions required
s) P & ID's, plot plants and layout details of all items of equipment used in pipeline
dewatering
t) Safety precautions including fire fighting facilities

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u) Suitable communication systems to facilitate coordination of all activities. Permits

for such equipment shall be obtained and maintained by Contractor
v) Notification to all relevant authorities and land owners
12.3 DRYING AND INERTING MANUAL
Drying and Inerting shall not commence until written approval is obtained. The manual
shall include the following requirements:
a) Calculation of the pressure/time curves for the evacuation of water, saturated air
and water vapour for all phases of drying
b) Sizing and rating of the drying equipment
c) Details of all equipment, materials, instrumentation and computers and spares
needed, indicating the type and rating of all equipment
d) Procedure for monitoring pipeline pressure and dew point
e) Test procedures for all main equipment and instruments
f) Power supplies and or/fuel for vacuum pump drivers
g) Procedure for controlling the vacuum unit mass flow capacity and suction pressures
h) Acceptance criteria
i) Safety precautions including fire fighting facilities
j) Procedure for preventing incidental air in-leak and procedures for remedial action
k) Work plan and schedule
l) The Contractor’s organisation chart for the drying and inerting activity supported
with resume of each proposed personnel showing that he/she has ample
experience in executing the work with successful results.
m) Adequate permanent despatching and receiving facilities at terminal Stations, and
temporary facilities at intermediate points. These facilities must include;
i. personnel facilities,
ii. pigging and fittings to handle the evacuated water, drying medium, gas and
condensate and for conveyance to burn pits,
iii. blow-down or vent stacks and
iv. quantities of nitrogen required and gas flow rates.
n) Approved instrumentation (with particular reference to gas detection during and
immediately after purging)
o) Suitable communication systems to facilitate coordination of all activities from
permanent despatching and receiving facilities. Permits for such equipment shall
be obtained and maintained by the Contractor
p) Notification to all relevant authorities and landowners
q) P & IDs, plot plans and equipment details of all items of equipment used in the
drying activities

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r) List of nominated personnel supervising the drying and inerting with dates and time
of duty, location and duration of activities of all personnel required. Contractor shall
name his authorised representative for the duration of activities
12.4 FINAL DOCUMENTATION FOR DEWATERING, DRYING AND INERTING
The Contractor shall develop QP approved Database which shall contain full results of
pre-commissioning activities. In addition to the data base, the Contractor shall produce
and compile a set of manuals (number as specified in Contract documents) in an
Engineering approved format. The manual shall be submitted within fourteen days of
completing the dewatering, drying and inerting operations. The manual shall contain the
following:
a) Calculation manual
b) Dewatering, drying and inerting manual
c) Summary of all dewatering and drying operations
d) Summary of all inerting activities
e) Summary of all commissioning activities
f) Pressure vs time graph during drying process up final dryness test (soak/purge
test)
g) Procedures, as previously submitted for approval
h) All calculations
i) Record of all pigs used
j) Pig efficiencies
k) Instrument certificates and calibration
l) Chemical specifications and methods of disposal
m) All information as stated above
n) Details of any stuck pigs and method of removal
o) Level of dryness achieved
p) Volume of water removed
q) Volumes of gas used for inerting
r) Daily log of events and a report of all operations carried out
s) Problems encountered and method of solution
Approved document shall be submitted in electronic form as well as hard copy.

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 CORPORATE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION FOR PRE-COMMISSIONING
AND COMMISSIONING OF NEW PIPELINES
Doc. No.: QP-SPC-L-012 Rev. 1

13.0 APPENDICES
13.1 APPENDIX I

TABLE 1 – PRESERVATION MEASURES FOR WATER FILLED PIPELINE

Pipeline Product Preservation Period after Hydrostatic testing

Material Service
Up to 6 months More than 6 month
Potable Water
Oil & Gas − Biocide − Biocide;
− Oxygen Scavenger;
Carbon Steel − Advise to raised pH to 9; and
− corrosion inhibitor
Water − Biocide; − Biocide;
Injection − Oxygen Scavenger; and − Oxygen Scavenger;
− Advise to raised pH to 9 − Advise to raised pH to 9; and
− corrosion inhibitor
Oil & Gas − Mandatory use of de-aerated − Mandatory use of de-aerated
water; water;
− advise to raised pH to 9; and − Biocide;
− Oxygen Scavenger − advise to raised pH to 9;
Stainless Oxygen Scavenger, and
Steel and corrosion inhibitor
CRA cladded Water − Mandatory use of de-aerated − Mandatory use of de-aerated
Injection water; water;
− Biocide; − Biocide;
− advise to raised pH to 9; and − advise to raised pH to 9;
− Oxygen Scavenger − Oxygen Scavenger, and
corrosion inhibitor
Seawater
(NOT recommended & subject to QP approval)
Oil & Gas − Biocide;
− Oxygen Scavenger;
Carbon Steel − Advise to raised pH to 9; and
− corrosion inhibitor
Water Not Suitable
Injection

Stainless
Not Suitable
Steel and
CRA cladded

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 CORPORATE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION FOR PRE-COMMISSIONING AND COMMISSIONING OF PIPELINES

Doc. No.: QP-SPC-L-012 Rev. 1

13.2 APPENDIX II

FIGURE 1 – NEW PIPELINE PRE-COMMISSIONING AND COMMISSIONING SEQUENCE

CONSTRUCTION RELATED ACTIVITIES PRE-COMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES COMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (9)

DEWATERING
FLOODING NITROGEN NITOGEN
OPTION 1 Bulk Dewatering DRYING TO PIPELINE PIPELINE IP
AND PURGING AND REMOVAL BY
(Using Dry Air Driven SURVEY FOR
INTEGRITY ¨ Conventional Pigs) ¨
-20°C DEW
POINT ¨ PACKING
¨¨
MOTHBALLING
AT 3.0 Bar a
¨ INTRODUCING
THE
¨ BASELINE DATA
TESTING [Including
NO Final Dewatering (Note 4) PRODUCT
GENERATION
(Note 3) (Using Dry Air Driven corrosion inhibitor
Foam Pigs) batching (optional)]
POST
INSTALL GAUGING
INVOLVEMENT
PRE-CLEANING CLEANING (Using Air
OF FINAL
BEFORE ¨ (Using ¨ Driven ¨ PRODUCT
INSTALLATION Water/Air Gauging
Driven Pigs) Pigs) (Note 2)
(Note 1)

FLOODING PIPELINE
PIPELINE STANDING PIPELINE IP
YES AND NOT MORE THAN 3 MONTH DEWATERING
IDLE UNTIL SURVEY FOR
BY
INTEGRITY ¨ COMMISSIONING
INTRODUCING ¨ BASELINE DATA
OPTION 2 TESTING PERIOD GENERATION
(Note 3) THE
PRODUCT

Note:
1. Water cleaning in conjunction with brush pig must be employed for pipeline carrying dry product containing H2S, CO2 and other corrosive substance without corrosion inhibitor facility.
2. For pipeline to be operated with wet product (containing water), pre-commissioned with final product in combination with commissioning can be opted provided that the water selected for
pipeline filling in Step 4 meet the preservation requirement period (See Note 3).
3. As part of the Cleaning, gauging and Flooding procedure, treatment of filling water shall be identified as per Table 1 base on the line pipe material, type of product and the required
preservation period for the water fill pipeline. For pre-commission with drying activity the required treatment for the water fill shall be the same as that for pipeline to be water filled up to 6
months prior to introducing the product. For pre-commissioning with the product (in combination commissioning), the treatment for water fill shall be selected based on the intended period
for the new pipeline to be left idle. As minimum requirement the treatment shall be suitable for pipeline protection up to 6 month or more.
4. Vacuum drying shall be employed for dry sour gas service pipeline and long pipeline which cannot be dried in sections. Other drying method may be proposed on other than these pipelines
but subject to QP approval.

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 CORPORATE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION FOR PRE-COMMISSIONING
AND COMMISSIONING OF PIPELINES
Doc. No.: QP-SPC-L-012 Rev. 1

REVISION HISTORY LOG

Revision Number: 1 Date: 1/08/2007

Item Revised: Reason for Change/Amendment:

Changes/Amendments Made:

This Specification is an update of the old revision QP specification no. ES-

L-40.2: to cover the recent Corporate Pre-commissioning and
Commissioning of new pipelines requirements and the latest revisions of
reference standards

Note:

The revision history log shall be updated with each revision of the document. It shall contain

a written audit trail of the reason why the changes/amendments have occurred, what the

changes/amendments were, and the date at which the changes/amendments were made.

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