The confidential client had two filter-separators installed for processing natural gas withdrawn from underground storage reservoirs. A slug of production fluids bypassed the slug collection equipment and reached the compressor station piping. The welded nozzle filter-separator was identified by the client as potentially compromised by DPIT analysis.
Barr’s mechanical engineers prepared procedures to safely isolate, blowdown, and purge the vessel ahead of construction and according to the client’s procedures. We supported the procedures with an evaluation of purge velocity according to AGA Purging Principles and Practice. Barr prepared the design documents to retrofit the filter-separator vessel from a welded nozzle to a flanged nozzle including 50%, 90%, construction, and record drawings that involved updating existing plan and profile views, weld schematics, and hydrotest information according to the client's specific drawing standards, review submittal process, and quality assurance requirements.
During construction, hoisting equipment damaged the filter-separator vessel. Barr was on site to perform a Level 1 fitness-for-service evaluation per API 579 to validate that the vessel could be placed into service without modification or repairs within the planned station outage.