Alyeska sets maintenance shutdown

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. has scheduled its annual summer maintenance shutdown for July 16-17.

Alyeska spokeswoman Katie Pesznecker told Petroleum News July 13 that the shutdown is scheduled to begin the morning of July 16 and crews will work around the clock to complete the shutdown the evening of July 17.

This is the only maintenance shutdown scheduled for this year, Pesznecker said, and includes work needed to keep the pipeline running safely up and down the line.

Valve replacement at PS 4

One of the major projects is replacement of a valve at Pump Station 4, part of the system that redirects crude oil, allowing Alyeska to receive and launch pigs at that station.

Another major project during the shutdown involves straightening the pipeline near Glennallen. This is at the site of Pump Station 11, which was never built. Lynda Sather, Alyeska’s Fairbanks spokeswoman, told Petroleum News in an e-mail that 180 feet of mainline pipe will be replaced at PS 11, removing the “dead leg” unused legacy pipe and valves.

Other work along the line includes work on valves on the line and work at various pump stations.

Work at the Valdez Marine Terminal includes valve maintenance and annual maintenance and inspection of various electrical systems.

—Kristen Nelson