Case Study

36" Remote Tecno Plugs, MLNG-Dua, Bintulu, East Malaysia

Tool - Remote Tecno Plug Isolation Tool

Location - Malaysia

Operating Environment - Onshore, LNG Terminal

Pipeline Medium - LNG, Gas

Activity - Valve Repair / Replacement, Maintenance

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Remote Tecno Plug prior to deployment

The Petronas LNG Complex in Bintulu, Sarawak is one of the world's largest single-site liquefied natural gas production facilities, producing 23 million tonnes of LNG a year across three plants operated by Petronas joint venture companies. Isolating a live trunk line feeding a site of that scale leaves no room for a shutdown, and very little tolerance for getting the isolation wrong.

Live Gas Trunk Line Isolation at Petronas' Bintulu LNG Complex Without Halting Production

As part of the Kumang Cluster onshore tie-in project, new pipelines were being connected to bring gas from the Kanowit central processing platform, roughly 250km offshore Bintulu, into the onshore facility. To make the tie-in, STATS needed to isolate 36 inch Trunk Lines 3 and 4 while they remained live, holding gas at an operating pressure of 69 barg.

Highlights

First Tecno Plug isolation project completed by STATS in Malaysia.
Two live 36 inch trunk lines isolated at 69 barg, with no shutdown of one of the world's largest single-site LNG facilities (23 million tonnes a year).
Remote Tecno Plugs held stable in position for approximately seven days each during hot work tie-in activities.
ELF through-wall radio control removed the need for tethers or modified pig-trap doors.
Tools pigged approximately 80 metres into position, negotiating multiple bends via a three-module train.

Two Remote Tecno Plugs, Isolating Both Trunk Lines Upstream of the Tie-In

STATS deployed two remotely operated 36 inch Tecno Plugs, one in each trunk line, to isolate the pipelines upstream of the tie-in locations. Each tool was configured in a three-module train, allowing it to negotiate multiple bends as it was pigged approximately 80 metres into position.

Through-Wall Communication, Holding Position for Seven Days of Hot Work

The Remote Tecno Plugs were tracked and accurately positioned using through-wall communication. An extremely low frequency (ELF) radio control system set and monitored the plugs throughout the isolation, giving STATS a high degree of flexibility without the need for tethers or specially modified pig-trap doors.

Each plug was constantly monitored and remained stable in location for approximately seven days while tie-in operations, including close-proximity hot work such as welding, were completed. Once the tie-in was finished, the plugs were unset and reverse-pigged back to the receivers for demobilisation.

Team making checks to a Remote Tecno Plug on site

Remote Tecno Plug Deployment

A Milestone for STATS in Malaysia

This project marked the first Tecno Plug isolations STATS has carried out in Malaysia. Two live 36 inch trunk lines were isolated at one of the world's largest LNG complexes, supporting a major tie-in without halting production at the facility. It reflects growing demand for STATS' isolation technologies across South East Asia, where the company has plans for a permanent regional base.

This project marks a significant milestone for STATS as these are the first Tecno Plug isolations carried out in Malaysia. There is great demand for STATS isolation technologies throughout South East Asia which we look to expand with future plans for a permanent base in region.

Gareth Campbell

Regional Manager - APAC

STATS Group