Pipeline Maintenance and Pigging Operations

The Beacon West engineering and operations team developed detailed agency-approved procedures and routinely perform maintenance pigging of the Platform Holly to shore pipelines. The procedure involves launching a scraper or poly pig from the platform, pressured by sweet gas, to push liquids to the onshore plant where they are routed to a storage tank while the pig enters a receiving chamber. Close communication is required between platform and plant operators before initiating the activity. Valves are checked for proper positioning. Operators continuously monitor and record pressures in the line, gas going into the vapor recovery unit, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels through the iron sponge units throughout the 6-hour operation. Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) are reviewed with all involved personnel and safety procedures are carefully followed before, during, and at the end of the operation. The pig receiver is depressurized, isolated, and gas detectors are used before opening the pig receiving chamber. The team performs this operation every two to three months on behalf of the California State Lands Commission.