TITLE

SECTION 02:
SUBJECT 20:

Pipelines and Terminals Manual/Volume 3 Critical Procedures

Nitrogen Purging, Isolation & Recommissioning of Pipelines

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

During the normal lifetime of a pipeline it becomes necessary to add or remove piping,
modify existing piping or to make repairs to the pipeline. This procedure covers the
requirements for preparing a pipeline to be worked on.
This includes executing nitrogen-purging activities, isolating the line to complete the
work safely and finally, recommissioning the line to return to service.
The procedure identifies the general steps that must be taken for High Vapour Pressure
(HVP) lines, natural gas lines and Low Vapour Pressure (LVP) liquid lines such as
crude oil.
It is likely that job specific procedures will be required depending on the nature of the
job.
Through proper hazard identification and reviewing the potential problem analysis, this
procedure can be executed ensuring the safety of the workers on the job site.
HVP products typically are those that are shipped as liquids that prefer to exist as a gas
at atmospheric pressure:

ethane

propane

butane

mixtures of the above called, natural gas liquids (NGL's)

LVP includes:

refined products and their components

crude oil

condensate

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REFERENCES
PTM 01-04-01: Safety: Safety and Environmental Rules
PTM 01-04-10: Safety: Safe Work Agreements
*

PTM 01-04-31: Safety: Loss Prevention System

PTM 03-02-05: Critical Procedures: Lockouts and Forceful Removal of a Lock
PTM 03-08-16: Product Movement-Piping and Accessories: Pigging
_
_
PTM 03-09-07: Product Movement-Valves: Opening, Closing, Venting, and
Depressurizing High Pressure Valves
PTM 03-08-20: Product Movement-Piping and Accessories: Installation of Blanking
Devices

ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
0308F10.Doc: Chemical Inhibition Trucks and Steamers Checklist
0302F16.Doc: Commissioning, Startup, and Safety Checklist
*

0302F09.Doc: Gas Testing Log

0104F25.Doc: Job Specific Execution Plan (JSEP)
0329F02.Doc: Picker and Winch Trucks Checklist
0104F23.Doc: Potential Problems Analysis Tools
0302F17.Doc: Purge Requirements Form
0338f01.Doc: Required Regulatory Permits, Agreements and Approvals
0302F18.Doc: Valve Lockout and Drawing List

DEFINITIONS
None

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SECTION 02.20:
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PROCEDURE
Hazards

HVP gases/vapours (specific gravity is heavier than air, can auto-refrigerate causing
extreme cold, pressure kicks and vapour slugs).

Gaseous Vapours.

Accumulation of H2 S vapours (specific gravity is heavier than air) for crude oil and
natural gas lines.

Ignition sources (including static electricity and other sources).

Workspace hazards (i.e. air quality when working in confined areas, limited site
access and egress).

Personal safety issues (noise, thermal exposures, heat and cold).

Atmospheric conditions (wind speed & direction).

Unidentified energy source(s).

Energized equipment and facilities.

Overhead power lines.

Mobile and rotating equipment.

Overhead equipment and loads.

Pressurized piping.

Thermal expansion liquids in isolated piping.

Incomplete decommissioning.

Elevated workstations and platforms.

Uneven terrain, slippery surfaces or obstacles.

Geographically isolated work areas.

Communication equipment (poor signal strength).

Conflicting activities.

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Standards
A Job Specific Execution Plan (JSEP) that indicates a description of site specific
procedures is included with this General Procedure. The Job Specific Execution Plan
(JSEP) is reviewed and signed by key personnel.
The area manager must approve the Job Specific Execution Plan (JSEP). Use of nonstandard procedures must be reviewed and approved by the Operations Manager or the
EMP Manager. Site specific procedures should be available to off-site responders in
the event of an emergency.
Temporary piping and valves must have an adequate pressure rating.
Purge equipment (pressure trucks, nitrogen pumps, tube trailers etc.) must have
connection piping/hoses rated for service.
All hoses must be protected against over-pressure with the use of Pressure Relief
Valves and/or Thermal Relief Valves. Hoses must be pressure tested within the last 12
months.
PSV's are required between the pipeline and bottle/tank trucks to protect the tanks and
associated hoses from over-pressure. PSV's must be used to protect the pipeline from
over-pressure situations when utilizing a nitrogen pump or pressure unit. PSV's must
be pre-tested within last 12 months.
Product quality and product accounting considerations must to be included in the Job
Specific Execution Plans (JSEP) as applicable.
Diesel, methanol or other approved buffer must be used on HVP and natural gas
purges. For naphtha base products (gasoline), treat either as an HVP or in the case of a
batch line, displace line with diesel.
Responsibilities
Refer to the Job Specific Execution Plan (JSEP) for detailed responsibilities that go
over and above the normal requirements.
Special Equipment

Three way gas detection equipment, O 2 , LEL and H2 S (as applicable).

Wind direction indicator (wind sock or survey ribbon).

Pressure gauges.

Self-contained or supplied air breathing apparatus.

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Required number and type of pigs.

Diesel fuel, methanol or other approved buffer.

High-pressure thermal relief valve, pre-tested to required pressure.

Low pressure thermal relief valve, pre-tested to required pressure.

Nitrogen Pump c/w hoses (confirm hose pressure rating and last pressure test for
each job) and PSV set at the required pressure.

Bottle truck c/w hoses (confirm hose pressure rating and last pressure test for each
job).

Tank/Vacuum truck(s) c/w hoses (confirm hose pressure rating and last pressure
test for each job).

Picker truck, certified annually (or in accordance with provincial guidelines).

Guidelines
Plans for decommissioning and isolation should be made well in advance to ensure
these activities go smoothly and that all required materials and services are in place.
Existing process and instrumentation diagrams should be reviewed and the contractor
and operations personnel should review the work site to identify hazards and determine
personnel and equipment requirements.
Personnel should be familiar with and understand the properties of the product in the
pipeline (e.g. the vapour pressure of the gas).
The hazards of the work location in relation to the product in the pipeline should be
considered. These might include the hazards inside a building, an excavated bell hole,
a natural low spot, or next to a highway.
Notes and Cautions

Bonding cables are used when breaking apart piping and draining hydrocarbons to
another vessel (e.g. truck, metal pail) to prevent ignition hazards.

Mobile equipment must be chocked and grounded.

Liquid recovery should be secure, causing no environmental impact.

Use only sufficient pressure to move the pig.

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Piping systems tend to stay electrically charged for a period of time after the
cathodic systems have been de-energized, and may be bonded to other piping
systems.

Some springing from misalignment, especially in pipeline risers, should be

expected.

In high traffic areas work should be planned in non-peak periods or after normal
working hours.

Nitrogen Purge
This procedure is written specifically for HVP and natural gas lines; however, it is also
used for LVP lines.
HVP and natural gas requires the use of a buffer fluid. Also, for HVP lines a bottle
truck is required to contain the HVP liquid during the purge process.
LVP lines do not require a buffer unless the product is a naphtha base (i.e. gasoline).
Then ensure the line is displaced with diesel (for batch lines) or utilize a diesel buffer.
Preparation
Prepare a site specific procedure.

Review the program and tour site(s) to understand specific job requirements.

Complete a Job Specific Execution Plan (JSEP) . This should be completed 10

days in advance of starting the work.

Complete a Valve Lockout and Drawing List . Consider using P&ID to

identify work locations including valve lockouts.

Complete Purge Requirements Form.

Interface with appropriate group (i.e. Control Centre, NGL group, Supply,
etc.) to schedule timing for pipeline shutdown.

Review and confirm associated hazards.

Confirm the single length of pipeline to be replaced.

Identify any hazards not included in this procedure on the JSEP.

Review the Potential Problem Analysis Tool. Identify potential problems not included
in this procedure on the JSEP.
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Develop mitigative action plans for associated hazards or potential problems that have
been identified.
Review JSEP and obtain approval. If non-standard procedures are required, approval
from the Maintenance Manager is required.
Complete the Safe Work Agreement and JSA Processes.
Install PSV's on all systems where required.
If time allows, complete this step in work preparation. Otherwise, install safety devices
in the execution steps where specified.
Execution
1. Notify the Control Centre that the nitrogen purge is ready to start and have them
shut down the pipeline while leaving valves in their normal operating position.
2. Lock-out the pumps, if applicable.
3. Lock-out pipeline inlet valve(s).
4. Isolate and drain the pig launch trap.
5. Install the PSV on the sending pig trap.
PSV's can be installed prior to this step under preparation work, time permitting.
Depending on the product type (HVP or LVP), spot and connect the pressure truck
(HVP) or Nitrogen pump (LVP). Consider equipment spacing guidelines, wind
direction and evacuation locations.
Install the low pressure thermal relief valve on the pig-receiving trap.
Co-ordinate this step either in the preparation steps as indicated or just prior to
connecting the bottle or tank truck.
Depending on the product type (HVP or LVP), spot the bottle (HVP) or tank (LVP)
truck and connect it to the pig-receiving trap.

See Special Procedures for using a tank truck.

This step can be done as time permits in executing the procedure; i.e. the tank
must be there as the purge nears the receiving trap.

Check to ensure that hoses have been tested within the last 12 months.

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Consider equipment spacing guidelines, wind direction, evacuation locations

and gas testing requirements.

Launch the first pig with the required volume of buffer fluid or nitrogen at the predetermined rate.
Launch the second pig with nitrogen at the pre-determined rate.
Stop pumping the nitrogen once the pre-determined volume has been pumped.
Launch the third pig, if required (i.e. HVP line) with nitrogen at the pre-determined
rate.
Continue pumping nitrogen at a maximum pre-determined rate.

Track pigs with geophones and metered volumes.

Have CC take meter readings to assist in tracking the purge pigs.

Discontinue nitrogen pumping when the first pig approaches the trap.
Divert the product flow from the mainline into the truck.

See Special Procedures for using a tank truck.

Control the fill rate with the valve upstream of the pig trap PSV.

Monitor truck level and pressures.

Notify CC that the nitrogen purge is nearing completion and the valves at the pig
receiver trap will be locked-out in the closed position to isolate the pipeline.
Continue flowing into the truck until each pig has entered the receiving trap.

Initially, product will flow into the truck with the buffer and/or nitrogen
following.

In the planning stages, consider the total length of the pigs vs. the length of the
trap to allow receiving all pigs at one time.

It may be necessary to shut down and remove each pig from the trap as it comes
in.

Isolate the pig trap and retrieve pigs

Inspect traps for wear/damage.

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Close, lock-out and tag all remaining valves to complete the isolation of the
pipeline.

Refer to the Valve Lockout and Drawing List in the Tools Section.

If using P&IDs, identify locations of lock-outs on the drawings.

Spot empty tank truck for nitrogen blowdown.

If using the same tank truck, ensure that the truck is emptied before proceeding.

Consider equipment spacing guidelines, noise, wind direction and evacuation

location.

Connect the tank truck.

Hatch must be open to prevent overpressure of tank.

Tank truck must be shut off.

Vent the nitrogen pressure with liquid carry-over from the pipeline.

Monitor venting until there is no carry-over of liquids.

Regulate the flow to control foaming and potential over-pressure.

Vent the remaining nitrogen through the pig trap. Do not vent through the pig trap
door. Utilize the vent valve instead.
Check the pipeline for LEL. LEL must be below 10 %.

Check LEL at both pig traps and other vents or drain valves that are available
while venting to ensure a successful purge.

If the LEL level is above 10 %, repeat steps 18 through 33.

Install isolation blinds.

LEL must be below 10 % and both ends of the pipeline must be at atmospheric
pressure.

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Isolation
1. Confirm that all valves are closed, locked out and tagged. (Refer to Valve Lockout
and Drawing List.)
Install correctly sized pancake blinds or blind flanges. Ensure a proper pressure
rating. Refer to the Valve Lockout and Drawing List.
Complete a leak check at all isolation points. Pressure test for leaks.
Confirm that facilities are in a safe condition and complete the turnover statement
to contractor (if applicable) for required work.

Check for LEL's at locations.

Review and ensure proper isolation.

Refer to the Special Procedures section in the event that the pipeline is to be
suspended or discontinued and utilize that information as step 4.

Implement the required work.

Recommissioning
1. Inspect the pipeline with the contractor.
Ensure all work activities have been completed.
Review turnover statement and sign it back to Pipelines.
Remove all blinds.
Reconnect piping as required. Check Valve Lockout and Drawing List for all blind
locations.
Remove locks from all valves required to fill the pipeline. Refer to Valve Lockout
and Drawing List or P&ID's for lock-out locations.
Notify CC that the pipeline is ready to be recommissioned.
Spot and connect the nitrogen pump at the pig sending trap.

For LVP products, a nitrogen purge may not be done.

Ensure that a PSV is on the pig sending trap.

Launch the first pig with nitrogen at the pre-determined rate.

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Pump until the pre-determined volume and pipeline pressure has been reached.
(This will provide backpressure for the introduction of HVP products into the line.)
Spot and connect the tank truck into the vent line at pig receiving trap to receive
vented nitrogen. (Ensure that a PSV is on the pig-receiving trap.)
See Special Procedures for using a tank truck.
Spot and connect the pressure truck at the pig-sending trap to introduce buffer fluid
into the line.

For LVP products a buffer fluid is not necessarily required.

Ensure that there is a PSV on the pig-sending trap.

Launch the second pig with the required volume of buffer fluid at the predetermined rate.
Have the CC take meter readings to assist in tracking the purge pigs.
Launch the third type pig with product at the pre-determined rate.

For LVP products, normally only one pig is used.

Have CC pump product and assist in tracking the purge pigs.

Continue pumping at a rate to prevent static build-up.

Vent nitrogen from the pig-receiving trap into the truck.

Track pigs with geophones or by monitoring above ground piping and metered
volumes.

Notify CC to discontinue pumping when first pig approaches trap.

For LVP products, only one pig is used. Therefore, product can flow into the
mainline.
Disconnect the tank truck.
Spot and connect the bottle truck at the pig-receiving trap.
Consider equipment spacing guidelines, wind direction and evacuation locations.

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Continue the product flow from the mainline into the truck until all pigs have
entered the receiving trap.

Control the fill rate with the valve upstream of the pig trap PSV.

In the planning stages, consider the total length of the pigs vs. the length of the
trap to allow for receiving all pigs at one time.

It may be necessary to remove each pig from the trap as it comes in.

Isolate the pig trap and retrieve pigs.

Inspect traps for wear/damage.
Remove all remaining locks.
Position valves back into normal operating position.
Monitor all locations including drains, vents and flanges for any signs of leakage.
Notify the CC that the pipeline has been re-filled and normal operations can
resume.
Remove any equipment such as pig traps, if installed, and replace the blinds.
Re-check all locations for leaks.

Initially, the product will flow into the truck with the buffer and/or nitrogen
following.

In the planning stages, consider the total length of the pigs vs. the length of the
trap to allow receiving all pigs at one time.

It may be necessary to shutdown and remove each pig from the trap as it comes
in.

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Using a Tank Truck or a Vacuum Truck for Initial Nitrogen Blowdown
Pipelines On-site Supervisor is in charge of all lease activities and shall maintain
physical control over all valves associated with the pipeline and double block and bleed
systems.
1. Install double block and bleed on the pipeline complete with PSV set at 45 psi.
Connect the tank truck to the pipeline. Tank trucks must be shut off.
There must be a clear path from the pipeline through to the truck, i.e. no valves past
the last pipeline valve (double block and bleed assembly). If a valve is present,
special approval from the Operations Manager or the EMP Manager is required and
the valve must be locked open.
Verify a clear path through to the tank truck.
Verify that the tank hatch is secured open and cannot close.
Barricade the area around the tank truck using DO NOT ENTER tape.
On-site Supervisor will give direction as to when it is safe to re-enter the area.
Slowly open the pipeline valve (first valve on double block and bleed) and regulate
the flow of nitrogen.

On-site Supervisor performs this task.

Valve used to control flow cannot be a ball valve.

Regulate flow to control foaming and potential overpressure of PSV (45 psi).

Using a ball valve on double block and bleed as the second valve for quick
closure is acceptable.

Monitor venting until there is no carry-over of liquids. Normally allow venting for
20 - 30 minutes.
Monitor the truck level for liquids.
Isolate the venting using double block and bleed.
After appropriate time has passed, ensure that the hose and tank truck are not
exposed to any pipeline pressure by closing off block valves and opening the bleed
line on the double block and bleed system.
Disconnect the tank truck and rig-out.
Ensure that gas testing is completed and no LEL exist before starting the truck.

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Isolating
Replace step 4 isolating procedure if pipeline is to be suspended or abandoned.
Install signs at either end of the pipeline indicating the pipeline status:

Nitrogen Purged

Pressure

Suspended or Abandoned

Date

Person responsible for purge

Area/Site Specific
Alberta
The AEUB requires 24-hour verbal notification prior to Construction starting.
Unless otherwise authorized by the AEUB an application under Part 4 of the Alberta
Pipeline act for a permit to construct is required when the length of pipe being removed
and replaced is a single segment 100 metres or greater. If the old section will be
abandoned in place, the length is reduced to 50 metres. Until the permit has been
received in hand at the field site, ground disturbance cannot be started.
Obtain all necessary water crossing, third-party crossing agreements/permits, etc. and
complete the Required Regulatory Permits, Agreements and Approvals sheet in the
Tools Section.
Manitoba and Ontario
Ensure that all regulatory permits and notifications are in place. See Provincial
regulations and use Required Regulatory Permits, Agreements and Approvals sheet
(0338F01.Doc) for guidance.

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