Newsletter - Issue 2 - Spotlight on Tecno Plug

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Newsletter

September 2025

Quarterly Review

Keeping Pipelines Flowing, Even During Maintenance

Hi there.

Maintaining pipeline integrity while keeping operations online is one of the toughest challenges operators face.

Whether repairing, replacing, or installing valves or new pipeline features, traditional isolation methods can be costly and time-consuming. This may require complete depressurisation and displacement of pipeline fluids / flaring of the gas inventory, causing disruptions to supply with a negative impact to the environment.

That’s where in-line isolation tools come in, offering a proven, monitorable dual barrier that enables operators to safely perform critical maintenance while the pipeline remains under full operating pressure. These bi-directional piggable isolation tools minimise outage times significantly, compared to conventional methods of depressurising, flushing and purging pipelines transporting gas and liquids.

For onshore applications, they help avoid in-service welding, reduce excavation and permitting requirements, and dramatically cut downtime and associated costs.

Beyond operational benefits, in-line isolation plugs help protect the environment by limiting or eliminating the need to depressurise large pipeline segments, reducing the release of greenhouse gases.

Curious to know how this works in real-world scenarios? Here's an opportunity to explore our case studies and other resources to see these tools in action.

Drone view of the isolated pipeline bend installed in Oman

Featured Case Study

A Milestone Isolation: Securing Oman's Live 48" Gas Pipeline

In a milestone project for Oman's OQ Gas Networks (OQGN), STATS Group enabled a critical tie-in on a live 48-inch gas pipeline. The operation utilised two proprietary Remote Tecno Plugs®, which were pigged 25 kilometres to provide a fail-safe, double block isolation at 90 bar. This innovative approach allowed a 100-metre section of the pipeline to be safely removed and re-routed, ensuring uninterrupted gas supply for consumers. Here's how we did it.

Read Case Study

Remote Tecno Plug facilitates Valve Replacement on a 36” Natural Gas Pipeline

Witness this Remote Tecno Plug inline isolation tool deployment by TC Energy in Canada, on a 36” Canadian natural gas pipeline during valve replacement and hot work activities. It safely isolated sections, delivered improved pipeline safety, reduced GHG emissions by 38,860 tonnes - all with minimal operational downtime and pipeline outage, versus the alternative method of venting.

How It's Done

Meeting the Isolation Challenge: Tecno Plug in action

See All Case Studies

If you're pushed for time, we've pulled out a few examples that demonstrate real-world examples of the BISEP tool in use – geared towards safe and effective isolation projects that saved our clients time and money.

Benefits of Inline Pipeline Isolation as an Alternative to Line Stopping

White Paper

Benefits of Inline Pipeline Isolation: an Alternative to Line Stopping

For pipeline integrity, inline isolation tools provide proven, monitored dual-seal barriers for safe containment breaks, eliminating welding and hot tapping. Backed by rigorous testing and remote operation, the real-world examples discussed in depth in our white paper confirm they drastically reduce emissions, costs, and downtime, fostering efficiency, safety, and sustainability in critical repairs.

Download the White Paper

38” Remote Tecno Plugs & Leak Testing, Onshore Pipeline

Location: Qatar

Discover how we achieved incident-free isolation for the world's largest LNG producer in Qatar. Utilising DNV-approved Remote Tecno Plugs on a 38” sour gas export pipeline, STATS enabled safe hot work to take place, eliminated flaring 80km of sour gas, and ensured project completion within the planned shutdown. This was a comprehensive solution, isolating 80 bar pressure, and showcased strong execution and robust performance from everyone involved, evidenced by a successful, incident-free shutdown.

Read the Case Study

20” Remote Tecno Plug, Offshore Platform, South China Sea

20” Remote Tecno Plug, For SDV replacement, Offshore Platform

Location: South China Sea

A landmark double block isolation on a 20” gas pipeline in the South China Sea, marking the first deployment of a piggable isolation plug in Vietnam. For this demanding project, we employed DNV Type Approved Remote Tecno Plug technology to create safe worksite conditions for a critical SDV replacement during an extensive 10-day maintenance turnaround. This approach eliminated the need to close the SSIV, saving the operator significant time and costs by avoiding vessel and diver chartering.

Read the Case Study

What's next?

Keeping Pipelines Online. Safely, Efficiently, Sustainably.

STATS Group empowers operators to maintain pipeline integrity without costly shutdowns. Our proven, DNV-approved Remote Tecno Plugs® provide fully monitored dual barriers, enabling safe, in-situ valve replacements and modifications while pipelines remain pressurised.

From Canada to Oman, Qatar to Vietnam, STATS’ in-line isolation projects are reducing downtime worldwide and preventing tens of thousands of tonnes of emissions.

Onshore, offshore or subsea, STATS’ advanced piggable isolation tools dramatically cut downtime, costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and continue to set new, global benchmarks for operational efficiency, environmental responsibility and safety.

Until next time,

Vikas Shangari

Global Sales Director

STATS Group