When processing plant systems are at risk, time is critical, and stakes are high. With the help of XCEL’s NDT service team, clients are fully supported through disastrous events. On Christmas Day, 2023, one of XCEL’s Midstream clients, a Natural Gas Cryogenic Processing plant, experienced a catastrophic piping rupture and subsequent fire in their Amine unit.
Challenge
The high-pressure piping rupture caused a raging fire, quickly destroying vital infrastructure. The fire caused damage to two processing skids, three pressure vessels, and 110 feet of the main pipe rack. In ad-dition, trapped gas inside the pipeline systems posed an extreme safety risk.
The client required immediate attention from inspectors to assess their plant and guide next steps. Inspec-tors needed to act quickly to mitigate excess damage.
Solution
The client’s Mechanical Integrity Project Manager reached out to XCEL at 8 a.m., and XCEL quickly deployed a specialized NDT team. The team set a response plan in motion, showcasing their speed, preci-sion, and expertise. They delivered:
- Swift Mobilization: Within just 24 hours, XCEL deployed a team of API Piping and Vessel Inspectors, NDT technicians, and all necessary equipment to the site.
- A Strategic Action Plan: XCEL’s Onsite Project Manager collaborated closely with the client to develop an inspec-tion strategy, prioritizing their most critical systems.
- The team performed a Structural Steel inspection, including Hardness readings and visual assessments, to evaluate the pipe rack.
- The team carefully inspected damaged piping systems to determine which were oper-ationally safe and which were unusable. - Recovery Support and Results: XCEL technicians maintained consistent communication with the client, providing re-al-time updates and detailed findings. This enabled quick, confident decision-making.
Outcome
Over the span of just 72 hours, XCEL’s NDT team:
- Restored Safety: The team identified piping sys-tems safe for operation, while isolating unsafe areas, allowing the client to evacuate trapped gas without harm.
- Provided Valuable Insight: XCEL supplied a de-tailed damage map of the pipe rack’s structural steel components, allowing the client to build a temporary shoring system.
- Supported Recovery Efforts: With timely re-ports and evaluations, XCEL empowered the cli-ent to regain control of the situation and initiate recovery efforts immediately.
XCEL minimized downtime during recovery and mitigated risks to ensure better site recovery. These focuses are what makes XCEL’s NDT services stand out.
CTA
When the unexpected happens, XCEL is your trust-ed partner in providing rapid, effective solutions with precision and integrity. Discover how our ad-vanced Mechanical Integrity and NDT services can help you safeguard your operations.
