As construction of the Main Onshore Pipeline (the Pipeline) progresses, sections of the 36-inch pipeline between Stanlow and Flint are undergoing hydrotesting and pigging as part of the project's intensive testing and pre-commissioning programme. These activities are in place to ensure the Pipeline's safety and integrity ahead of operation.
Hydrotesting, also known as hydrostatic testing, is a standard industry process used to verify the strength and integrity of newly constructed pipelines. The process involves filling sections of the Pipeline with water and testing them at controlled pressures to ensure there are no leaks or weak points.
To provide an additional safety margin, hydrotesting is carried out at a pressure approximately 1.5 times the Pipeline's normal operating pressure. This helps confirm the Pipeline's integrity by demonstrating that it can safely withstand pressures greater than those it will experience once fully operational.
Once sections of the Pipeline have successfully completed hydrotesting, they will undergo a process known as pigging. This involves passing a pipeline inspection gauge, known as a PIG, through the Pipeline to ensure it is free from any debris that may have accumulated during construction and remove any water from hydrotesting operations.
Once hydrotesting and pigging activities have been completed, sections of the Pipeline will continue through the commissioning programme before being prepared for operation.
Residents may notice activity associated with these testing works at locations along the 36-inch pipeline route over the coming months. This might include:
Liverpool Bay CCS Limited and its construction contractor, United Infrastructure, will continue to keep local communities informed as these testing activities progress.
More information about the construction of the Main Onshore Pipeline will be added to the Latest News section of the HyNet Hub being in each area.
What is hydrotesting?
Hydrotesting, also known as hydrostatic testing, is a standard industry process used to verify the strength and integrity of newly constructed pipelines. The process involves filling sections of the Pipeline with water and testing them at controlled pressures to ensure there are no leaks or weak points.
To provide an additional safety margin, hydrotesting is carried out at a pressure approximately 1.5 times the Pipeline's normal operating pressure. This helps confirm the Pipeline's integrity by demonstrating that it can safely withstand pressures greater than those it will experience once fully operational.
What is pigging?
Once sections of the Pipeline have successfully completed hydrotesting, they will undergo a process known as pigging. This involves passing a pipeline inspection gauge, known as a PIG, through the Pipeline to ensure it is free from any debris that may have accumulated during construction and remove any water from hydrotesting operations.
What happens next?
Once hydrotesting and pigging activities have been completed, sections of the Pipeline will continue through the commissioning programme before being prepared for operation.
Residents may notice activity associated with these testing works at locations along the 36-inch pipeline route over the coming months. This might include:
- Tanker deliveries to supply water for the testing
- Some noise from compressor activity, but this will be limited and only take place during core working hours
Liverpool Bay CCS Limited and its construction contractor, United Infrastructure, will continue to keep local communities informed as these testing activities progress.
More information about the construction of the Main Onshore Pipeline will be added to the Latest News section of the HyNet Hub being in each area.