Overhaul of main gas pipelines is the basis for extending the term of their reliable and safe operation
Background Overhaul is the basis for extending the term of safe and reliable operation of the line part of main gas pipelines (MG LP). Therefore, required is the switch from the concept of re-insulation, currently accepted by OAO «Gazprom», to the concept of repair with replacement of the repaired section by the pipes with original (base) insulation - the technology practiced by the international community. Aims and Objectives Show the advantages and disadvantages of pipe re-insulation technology adopted for main gas pipelines since 2004. Prove the necessity of updating the gas transport system (GTS) by switching to overhaul technology with replacement of the repaired section by the pipes with original (base) coating. When switching to the new overhaul technology, to show the advantages of pipe re-use after rejection, re-diagnostics and application to the repaired pipes of new coating in compliance with industrial technology, and on mobile bases. Methods Review of the normative documents of OAO «Gazprom», and the experience of re-insulation. Results Based on critical analysis of re-isolation technology, proved is the necessity to update the GTS of OAO «Gazprom» by switching to pipeline repair technology, which is adopted by the world pipeline community, with the replacement of the repaired section by the pipes with original (base) insulation. Essentially, the methodology of GTS upgrading consists in the development and implementation of stage-by-stage method of repair works on the line part of MG. The process is featured by performing sequential, from cock to cock, repair on an individual gas pipeline. Work should be done in field conditions, on mobile bases, with rejection, diagnostics and re-application to the renovated pipes of insulation coatings in accordance with the industrial technology.