As part of routine inspections, Kinder Morgan identified a section of pipeline in Fredericksburg, Virginia, to target for repair. Pipeline in the area is used to convey petroleum products to the Central, Southeast, and Northeast U.S. without the use of freight transport. As critical infrastructure, the pipeline is regularly inspected and repair efforts are carefully orchestrated.

Pipeline Right-of-Way and Site Conditions

The location of the segment of pipeline was within the right-of-way of a railway, and conditions included a steep grade and heavily vegetated landscape. Due to the integrity risk and regulatory compliance deadline, along with site factors, a repair method that utilized direct access to the pipeline was not deemed permittable or constructable within the timeline.

Kleinfelder was tasked with performing a feasibility study to identify suitable testing, repair, or replacement methods. Kinder Morgan and the railway preferred an approach that allowed for unimpeded utilization of multiple rail lines in the area.

Alternatives Analysis and HDD Replacement 

During the feasibility study phase, the technical project lead leaned on Kleinfelder subject matter experts within the fields of geotechnical engineering, trenchless technology, and oil and gas pipeline engineering to identify risks and benefits related to a short auger bore or horizontal directional drilling (HDD) replacement of the pipeline sections.

Upon completing the feasibility study and presenting alternatives to the client, Kinder Morgan agreed that a plan utilizing HDD replacement of pipeline was the best approach to meet the regulatory compliance deadline while minimizing integrity risks.

In the design phase of the project, Kleinfelder performed a geotechnical study, calculated and analyzed pipeline stresses using API 1102, and performed a hydrofracture risk analysis. Using this data, Kleinfelder produced a replacement design that the client and railway then approved for construction. To date, all deliverables have been relayed on-schedule and within the project budget.

Project Results

Constant communication and a strong understanding of the regulatory and technical requirements of the project scope were the major contributors that led to successful completion of the design on schedule. Project risks were identified early and communicated to the client with proposed design solutions, allowing for approval of the replacement design without delays to the project schedule.

Project Details

Location:
Fredericksburg, VA
Owner:
Kinder Morgan