Halliburton completes pre-commissioning of strategic Egyptian pipeline project

Halliburton's (NYSE: HAL) Energy Services Group has successfully completed the pre-commissioning phase of the East Gas Pipeline Project in Egypt for Egyptian Natural Gas Company (GASCO).

The pipeline will be used to export gas to Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and other European countries. The 36-inch by 268 kilometers (166 miles) pipeline runs from El-Arish, Egypt to Aqaba, Jordan and is split into land and offshore sections. The 250 kilometers (155 miles) landline extends from El-Arish to Taba and the 18 kilometers (11 miles) offshore line runs from Taba to Aqaba, crossing the Gulf of Aqaba in water depths of 850 meters (0.52 miles).

Pre-commissioning included fresh water flushing, residual dewatering, pipeline cleaning, pipeline swabbing, air drying to minus 5 degrees Celsius dew point, nitrogen-purging, and gas-in commissioning.

"The first challenge was time," said Reda Salam, project manager for Halliburton. "The tight schedule commenced with the initial notification request for mobilization in May to final gas-in June. By working on three-line sections simultaneously, around the clock, and by applying Gasco's suggestion to launch the pigs from the P.L. mid-station to benefit from the very high static levels, we were able to complete the drying operations four days ahead of schedule at an average dew point of minus 20 degrees Celsius. With the assistance and cooperation of GASCO, the gas-in commissioning was completed on schedule in June."

The second challenge was logistical. Personnel and an extensive list of equipment - air dryers, compressors, nitrogen pumping units, nitrogen tanks, test cabins and store containers - were mobilized from the Pipeline and Process Services offices in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Norway, and the United Kingdom, requiring a tremendous amount of team work and dedication from all parties, said Reda.

The third challenge was safety. Employees met this challenge head-on by achieving zero motor vehicle accidents and Lost-Time Incidents during the 45,000 miles clocked during the project.

In a letter, GASCO's Chairman and Managing Director, Mahmoud Latif, said, "Because of Halliburton management commitment and our mutual cooperation, we were able to finish this project in due time and within budget. We want to re-emphasize our appreciation to your superior performance and professionalism, and we hope to continue our joint cooperation in future projects."

Halliburton, founded in 1919, is one of the world's largest providers of products and services to the petroleum and energy industries. The company serves its customers with a broad range of products and services through its Energy Services Group and Engineering and Construction Group business segments.