Commissioning Completed On Time
Despite Construction Delays
Midwestern U.S.
The client, a multinational energy transportation company focusing on transportation, distribution and generation of energy in North America, required commissioning services and automation for a greenfield 36-inch pipeline.
Commissioning of a large pipeline requires the coordination of all parties involved with design, construction, management, vendors, and operations, and lack of communication can impact the schedule and cost. In addition, with simultaneous construction and commissioning activities happening across multiple facilities, logistics were also a challenge. Finally, construction ran behind schedule at many of the facilities, but the client needed to keep their in-service date due to contractual obligations.
Automation services were provided for three compressor stations, and commissioning services were provided for three compressor stations, six meter stations, and 17 remote-controlled main line block valves. ENTRUST Solutions Group wrote the software for the PLCs and the HMIs for the compressor stations, and also coordinated with vendors, operations, construction, construction management, and project management to schedule resources for the commissioning efforts. On-site coordinators and technicians verified operation of all control devices and proper calibration including transmitters, pressure regulation devices, protective systems, valves, and the control system.
To help facilitate communication between all parties, the commissioning project manager hosted a weekly project-wide call with almost 100 invitees. In addition, to manage the simultaneous construction and commissioning activities across multiple facilities, ENTRUST Solutions Group allocated two commissioning leads, one for the compressor stations and one for the remaining facilities, as well as five commissioning coordinators, one per compressor station and two who split responsibilities on the meter and regulation stations and main line valves. This organizational structure allowed for operations and construction to have points of contact at each facility while still allowing efficient communication for global issues.
To help the client meet their in-service date and contractual obligations, the ENTRUST team mitigated the impact of the construction delays by working closely with the contractor to prioritize work and commission in parallel with construction activities. The ENTRUST team facilitated the hand off between construction and operations to bring the pipeline and facilities into service on time, and the client expressed great appreciation for the team’s capabilities.
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