The main section of the Greater Lagos
Phase III gas pipeline system operated by GASLINK Nigeria Limited a
subsidiary of Oando Plc. has been certified safe for operations
following a successfully conduction of hydrostatic pressure last
month.
With this exercise, the infrastructure has met with global technical
specifications and environmental safety standards.
The hydrostatic test, is a rigorous method of checking for leaks and
technical flaws in industrial pipes and pressure vessels by
subjecting them to pressurized incompressible liquid (water) to test
for expansion in the pipes composition or changes in the content to
indicate flaws in design or leakage respectively.
The test was conducted by Oilserv Nigeria Limited, an indigenous
engineering firm involved in construction and maintenance of oil and
gas facilities,
The hydrostatic test also ensures that the integrity of the
fabricated pipeline segment of the network of pipelines meet the
stipulated test conditions and relevant specifications. The numerous
underground facilities in Lagos necessitated the introduction of
‘elbows’ or bends to enable navigating the obstructions and
connecting the pipeline segments.
Bolaji Osunsanya, Managing Director, Oando Gas and Power, commenting
on the exercise states; “We have concluded the laying and
backfilling of this segment of the pipeline system without a single
incident as a result of our strict adherence to safety measures.
The successful outcome of this hydrostatic test signifies that the
integrity of our pipelines is assured for gas transmission to
customers. We are now in a position to commence full scale
operations on our newly expanded integrated network, with a double
assurance that the people and property around these pipelines are
very safe”.
The hydrostatic pressure test was conducted on an estimated pipeline
length of 11,000 metres, (Anthony through Ikorodu road to Iganmu) on
an 18 inch nominal diameter pipeline of 14.27mm wall thickness,
holding a maximum test pressure of about 90 percent linepipe
specified minimum yield strength.
The long distance pipelines are designed to have a hoop stress of 80
per cent of specified minimum yield strength at maximum operating
pressure, thus implying that the pipeline steel material was
stressed beyond the design condition during this test and still
withstood the pressure.
In 2001, Gaslink had embarked on a phased pipeline expansion drive
that witnessed the construction of an 11.2 kilometre pipeline system
with a capacity to deliver 15mmscf/d from the Nigerian Gas Company’s
City Gate at Ikeja through Oba Akran, Lateef Jakande and Acme Road ,
all within the Ikeja industrial scheme.
Following the successful completion of the first phase of the
network, the company commissioned its Ikeja 1B gas line with a
capacity to deliver 5mmscf/d to companies within Oregun through to
Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. By 2004, Gaslink’s pipeline
network was further expanded with a distribution line designed to
deliver a throughput of 65 mmscf/d through Ojota, Isolo, Amuwo
Odofin, Ilupeju, Matori and Isolo.
In October 2006, Gaslink embarked on the expansion project tagged
GLIII (Greater Lagos Three). The project involved the laying of a
38km pipeline through Ojota , Maryland , Obanikoro, Iganmu, Alaka,
Apapa Wharf , Tin Can Island and Amuwo Odofin.
With this, Gaslink has developed an extensive pipeline network
covering the major industrial areas in Lagos State. Upon completion,
the new pipeline system will result in the company covering all the
major industrial areas of Lagos State
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