PIPELINES AND GATHERING SYSTEMS

RISK MITIGATION AND COST CERTAINTY

Pipeline installations can have a large variance of costs due to the inherent unpredictability of field construction conditions. At Obsidian, we take proactive measures to mitigate risk and uphold cost certainty for our clients. Assisting our clients with conceptual scoping is the starting point. This typically involves scenario-based process runs to accommodate a variety of future operating conditions. We also engage field scouting and survey personnel to ensure the surveyed routing is optimized for construction. Regulatory hurdles are identified and addressed through direct channels to work towards viable solutions while maintaining regulatory compliance. Throughout the project, we offer cost reporting and tracking services to keep all parties apprised of status.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

This project included two phases to design and construction. The first phase was 105 km of NPS 12 pipeline through northern Alberta, while the second phase included approximately 25 km of pipeline lateral installation in central Alberta. Block valve sites, pigging facilities, LACTs and facility tie-ins were also included in the project.

The project scope included approximately 19 km of dual pipeline (NPS 16 gas and an NPS 8 crude oil) to be installed between a remote battery and the Patterson Creek gas plant. Obsidian worked closely with the construction management team to mitigate delays caused by wet conditions through challenging terrain.

Obsidian completed the detailed design and procurement for the north segment of of the Pipestone gas gathering system. This included 16 KM of NPS 10 sour gas (5% H2S) pipeline as well as all required risers and facility tie-ins. This line was constructed with insulated pipe to help maintain heat and reduce the likelihood of hydrate formation during operation. 

This project consisted of 16 km of triple line being installed in a single ditch, an engineering assessment for a substance change of an existing pipeline system and several facility upgrades. The new pipeline scope included an NPS 8 sour gas line, an NPS 6 fuel gas line and an NPS 4 sour oil effluent line. Obsidian provided construction management and full cost tracking services.