If we are building or maintaining a pipeline, we work with our regulators and local public authorities to try to minimize disruption to the local community.
Throughout ExxonMobil Pipeline Company’s construction process, we use best-in-class practices, safety gear and equipment to ensure the job gets done right—and nobody gets hurt. Our world-class workforce is highly trained to carefully manage the process from the first safety checks to the final clean-up. Inspectors from state regulatory agencies oversee our work during key stages of the process.
Crews begin by surveying the potential route. Narrow strips of land called rights-of-ways are acquired for installation of the pipeline and to host on-site construction activity. Pipeline rights-of-way are typically 25-150 feet wide.
The right-of-way is cleared of trees, brush and rock for construction activities. Topsoil is stockpiled for eventual reclamation. The right-of-way is leveled and graded to provide access to construction equipment.
A trench is dug with a trencher or backhoe. Depending on the terrain, this process may include boring under waterways, roads or railroads. Boring under obstacles is a process known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD).
We monitor the manufacture, storage and transportation of materials to confirm they meet or exceed industry regulations and standards.
Individual pieces of pipe are laid out end-to-end along the right-of-way. The pipe is bent to fit the terrain using a specialized hydraulic bending machine.
Specially trained welders join the pipes together using both manual and automated welding technologies. The welds are then inspected and certified by x-ray. Welded joints are coated with anti-corrosion materials.
The welded pipe is lowered into the trench using sidebooms. Valves and other fittings are installed. The pipe is padded using filtered native soil to keep rock from resting along the pipe. Special equipment designed to prevent corrosion and monitor the operation of the pipeline are installed.
Inspections are conducted to verify the new pipe is fit for service. Typically, the pipeline is pressure tested using water, a process called hydrotesting or hydrostatic testing, to ensure there are no leaks. Inspection tools can also be sent through the pipeline to provide more integrity information. Any detected anomalies are addressed before the pipe is put into service. Regulators approved a start-up plan before the pipeline is safely placed into service.
Temporary facilities are removed. Topsoil is replaced in the sequence in which it was removed, and the land is re-contoured and reseeded. The rights-of-way are restored in-line with landowner agreements. Pipeline markers are installed along the right-of-way, especially at each public road and railroad crossing, to indicate the location of the buried pipeline.
ExxonMobil Pipeline Company uses computerized monitors, ground crews and aerial surveillance to monitor the pipeline's operation in the interest of public safety and environmental protection.
Depending on the situation, temporary pressure reductions can be used until abnormal conditions are investigated and addressed.
Some localized repairs can be made using a steel or composite “sleeve.” The sleeve fully encircles a small area of the pipe, reinforcing it.
Sometimes it is preferable to replace a larger segment of pipe. Typical construction methods are used.
James (Bo) Gieger, HSE Supervisorbo.gieger@exxonmobil.com888-804-4788