PMC ESPO Implements an Environmental and Operational Safety Improvement Project for Eastern Siberia – Pacific Ocean Pipeline System Phase

PMC ESPO has started to implement an investment project for equipping ESPO-1 with an overpressure protection system. Similar systems have been already operated on the oil trunk pipeline and ensure the safe oil pumping in the volume of 58 mtpa. Start-up of the additional overpressure protection equipment at the facilities of ESPO-1 will enable improvement of the oil pipeline operation safety allowing for the increase in the ESPO PS throughput capacity to 80 mtpa.

Analyses of transient processes that occur when booster pump stations operating in the maximum capacity mode are shutdown were preliminarily carried out on the oil pipeline. The data obtained revealed the necessity in equipping PSs Nos. 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, and 20 with a protection system and in the improvement of the existing protection system at Taishet PEPS No. 1 and PSs Nos. 10, 14, and 17.

The investment project being implemented by PMC ESPO provides for updating the software of the automated complexes to control the pump units of the station and the pipeline valves. The complexes comprising the unified control system (UCS) are located in the Bratsk and the Rechushka control centres. Upgrading of the UCS will enable a better response to the hazards related to overpressure within the pipeline. The investment project also includes the construction of emergency oil spill tanks, and provides for safety devices and special stations for oil pumping-out when it is necessary to reduce the pipe pressure level.

The project of the pressure protection system construction for the oil trunk pipeline is planned to be completed in autumn 2017.