West African Gas Pipeline Limited (WAPCo) has announced the successful completion of a meticulous inspection of above-ground process piping across its facilities in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo. This initiative is part of a comprehensive two-year inspection program aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of its gas transportation services.
This year’s inspection marked the most detailed to date, expanding upon previous methods to include advanced techniques. Traditionally, WAPCo relied on visual inspections and conventional pipe wall thickness tests.
However, this year’s program incorporated three additional methodologies: long-range ultrasonic testing, phased-array corrosion mapping, and inspection for corrosion under insulation. These techniques provide a more robust assessment of the pipeline’s integrity.
Joshua Ohuimimwen Cole, Lead Asset Integrity Engineer at WAPCo, emphasized the importance of these enhancements.
“By integrating long-range ultrasonic testing, phased-array corrosion mapping, and inspections for corrosion under insulation, we have significantly increased our ability to detect and address potential issues before they become critical. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining the safety and reliability of our operations.”
Joshua Ohuimimwen Cole, Lead Asset Integrity Engineer at WAPCo
The newly implemented inspection techniques are pivotal in identifying corrosion and other structural weaknesses that might not be visible through traditional methods. Long-range ultrasonic testing enables the detection of defects over longer distances within the pipeline, while phased-array corrosion mapping provides detailed imaging to precisely locate and assess the severity of corrosion.
Inspections for corrosion under insulation are particularly crucial for identifying hidden corrosion that can develop beneath insulating materials, which are not detectable through surface inspections alone.
Upcoming Maintenance Activities
In addition to these completed inspections, WAPCo is preparing for three critical asset activities in the upcoming months. Afolabi Oladimeji Ogunmefun, Deputy Manager of Asset Integrity, outlined these future initiatives:
“We will be cleaning the onshore section of the pipeline in Nigeria and inspecting the water bath heaters. These maintenance activities are essential for ensuring we continue to deliver gas safely and reliably, in line with our commitment to meet customers’ scheduling and quality requirements.”
Afolabi Oladimeji Ogunmefun, Deputy Manager of Asset Integrity
The cleaning of the onshore pipeline segment in Nigeria is crucial for removing any build-up of debris or contaminants that could impede gas flow or cause corrosion. Similarly, inspecting the water bath heaters, which are integral to the gas heating process, ensures that they are operating efficiently and safely.
These initiatives underscore WAPCo’s dedication to maintaining high standards of operational excellence and customer satisfaction. By proactively addressing potential issues through rigorous inspections and timely maintenance, WAPCo is committed to delivering reliable and safe gas transportation services to its customers.
The implications of these initiatives are far-reaching. By enhancing its inspection protocols and undertaking necessary maintenance activities, WAPCo not only mitigates risks associated with pipeline operations but also strengthens the reliability of its gas transportation services. This proactive approach is likely to foster greater confidence among stakeholders, including customers and regulatory bodies, in the company’s ability to deliver gas safely and efficiently.
Moreover, these efforts align with broader regional energy goals by supporting a stable and reliable supply of natural gas, which is crucial for powering industries, generating electricity, and contributing to the economic development of West African nations. WAPCo’s commitment to operational excellence and safety underscores its role as a key player in the region’s energy infrastructure.
The enhanced inspection program and upcoming maintenance activities reflect WAPCo’s unwavering commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. By adopting cutting-edge inspection techniques and prioritizing preventive maintenance, WAPCo is poised to mitigate risks, enhance operational efficiency, and uphold its reputation as a leading provider of gas transportation services in West Africa.
This strategic focus on asset integrity and safety not only ensures the continuity of gas supply but also reinforces WAPCo’s position as a trusted partner in the region’s energy landscape. As WAPCo continues to innovate and invest in its infrastructure, it remains dedicated to meeting and exceeding the expectations of its customers, underscoring its role as a catalyst for sustainable development in West Africa.
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