The project is the largest gas pipeline under construction in Scotland and was completed in October. It involved Qserv swabbing, gauging, flooding, hydrostatically testing, conducting a geometric survey, and pre-commissioning 50km of pipeline from Lochside, 10km north of Montrose, to Aberdeen’s gas compressor station at Garlogie. The 48-in steel pipe is the largest diameter pipe used in the UK by Transco.
Due to the terrain along the pipeline route, the operations were carried out in 22 sections using a comprehensive range of specialist equipment and personnel. Among the challenges along the undulating route that rises to 240m above sea level are crossings of 123 major utility services, 60 watercourses, 25 roads, eight rivers, and the East Coast mainline railway.
Since its acquisition of Alfred McAlpine’s pipeline and industrial services divisions in 2001, Qserv has grown through the recruitment of experienced offshore pre-commissioning personnel, and designed and fabricated purpose-built equipment to suit its project requirements.