Project Overview Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Client | Yanshan County Huayou Natural Gas Co., Ltd. |
| Location | Yingsheng Road East, Yanshan County, Cangzhou, China |
| Core Challenge | Relocating 2.34 km of critical sub-high pressure gas mains along a busy urban corridor with zero service interruption and minimal public impact. |
| Solution | A comprehensive pipeline engineering package including new route installation, four complex horizontal directional drills, and live-line connection. |
| Key Results | Zero safety incidents; Project completed on schedule with no supply disruption; All welds 100% inspected and pressure tested successfully. |
The Critical Challenge: Relocating a Vital Artery Without Missing a Beat
Imagine the responsibility of surgically relocating a major artery while the heart continues to beat. This was the core challenge faced by Yanshan County Huayou Natural Gas. The existing 7.8 km of sub-high pressure natural gas pipeline, operating at 1.6 MPa, was in the path of vital municipal development along Yingsheng Road. Any prolonged shutdown for relocation would mean significant disruption to commercial and residential energy supply, resulting in substantial economic loss and public inconvenience.
The project demanded precision pipeline engineering services that could:
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Ensure Continuous Supply: Execute the entire 2.34 km new pipeline installation and tie-ins without interrupting gas flow to end-users.
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Manage Complex Crossings: Navigate four separate underground obstacles, totaling 703.5 meters, requiring non-disruptive installation techniques.
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Guarantee Safety and Integrity: Work constantly in proximity to a live, high-pressure gas line, where the smallest error could have severe consequences.
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Minimize Urban Disruption: Work efficiently in a developed area, managing traffic, and community impact.
Our Engineered Solution: Precision, Expertise, and Advanced Technology
As the designated pipeline engineering contractor, Beijing Jinshiwan Pipeline Technology developed a phased, meticulous plan centered on safety and technical excellence. Our solution was a blend of robust engineering and minimally invasive techniques.
Our pipeline construction and maintenance approach included:
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Parallel Pipeline Installation: First, the new 2.34 km section of φ219.1×6 L415MB seamless steel pipe was installed along the new right-of-way. This included comprehensive pipeline corrosion protection (3PE coating) and over 200 field joints with heat-shrink sleeves.
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Advanced Trenchless Technology: For the four critical crossings, we employed Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). This “no-dig” technology allowed us to install pipelines deep beneath roads and other infrastructures without open-cut excavation, dramatically reducing surface disruption and environmental impact. Each HDD section was hydrostatically tested individually before proceeding.
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Live-Line Connection & Decommissioning: The most critical phase involved transferring the gas flow from the old to the new line.
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Safe Decommissioning: The 7.8 km of old pipeline was meticulously purged and inerted using nitrogen displacement, ensuring a safe environment for its abandonment.
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Precise Tapping and Plugging: Using specialized equipment, our certified technicians performed live-line stops at two key points. This allowed us to isolate the old section and connect the new pipeline without a system-wide shutdown, a testament to our high-risk pipeline integrity management capabilities.
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The Implementation: A Symphony of Coordinated Execution
Our project management team orchestrated the field operations with military precision. The process flowed through key stages:
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Phase 1 – Pre-Construction & Staging: Detailed route surveying, right-of-way preparation, and material inspection.
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Phase 2 – New Pipeline Construction: Stringing, bending, welding (with 100% NDT inspection), lowering-in, and backfilling of the main line.
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Phase 3 – HDD Operations: Simultaneous execution of the four directional drills, pulling the pre-tested pipeline segments back through the bore paths.
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Phase 4 – System Integration & Testing: The entire new 2.34 km system underwent a final high-pressure hydrostatic test at 1.6 MPa to validate its integrity beyond any doubt.
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Phase 5 – Cutover & Restoration: The successful live-line connection was executed over a planned 48-hour window, followed by the full restoration of the site and installation of warning tapes and marker posts.
Quantifiable Results & Lasting Benefits
The Yingsheng Road Pipeline Relocation Project stands as a benchmark for successful municipal pipeline engineering.
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100% Safety Record: The project was completed with zero recordable incidents, a core value of our pipeline engineering services.
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Zero Service Interruption: The client’s gas supply remained uninterrupted throughout the entire construction and cutover process, avoiding significant revenue loss and customer complaints.
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On-Time Delivery: All project milestones were met according to the September 6, 2023, schedule, demonstrating superior project control.
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Quality Assured: Every weld and every meter of pipe passed stringent quality checks, ensuring the long-term reliability of this critical energy infrastructure.
A Client’s Perspective:
“The complexity of relocating a high-pressure gas line in an urban setting cannot be understated. Beijing Jinshiwan’s team demonstrated why they are leading oil and gas pipeline contractors. Their methodical approach, advanced HDD capabilities, and flawless execution during the live-line tie-in gave us absolute confidence. They delivered a world-class infrastructure asset on time and, most importantly, without incident.”
— Project Manager, Yanshan County Huayou Natural Gas Co., Ltd.
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