North Peruvian Pipeline has blocking valves to mitigate possible contingencies

Petroperú completed the installation of 19 automatic shut-off valves in the North Peruvian Oil Pipeline (ONP), in order to guarantee an immediate response in the event of a cut or rupture of the pipeline, thus minimizing any possible contingency due to a crude oil spill.

These remotely operated equipment are part of the first stage of the project “Installation of Automatic Blocking Valves and Check Valves in Section I, Section II and ORN (Northern Branch Oil Pipeline)”. In a second stage, 25 automatic blocking valves and 16 Check valves will be installed in all sections of the ONP, in addition to the existing mechanical ones.

For the company, this is an important step towards improving safety and environmental protection in its operations, taking into account that the valves have been strategically located at different points of the pipeline: eight in the ORN, five in Section I and six in Section II.

It should be noted that these devices are powered by solar energy, for which solar panels have been installed - at a height of 12 meters - improving the efficiency of the photovoltaic system and thus reducing possible risks due to acts of vandalism.

In addition, they are equipped with batteries that provide them with an autonomy of five days, which guarantees their continuous operation, even in adverse weather conditions. They also have pressure accumulators that use nitrogen bottles and a backup manual pump to open and close the valve locally.

Satellite communication

Since these valves are located in remote and difficult-to-access areas in the northern jungle, satellite communication has been implemented to ensure permanent supervision through remote control.

They are also accompanied by pressure and temperature gauges in the pipeline and the environment, which send information on the operational status of the ONP pipeline, allowing the possibility of incidents to be evaluated and preventive measures to be adopted.

To guarantee the safety of this equipment, a perimeter fence was installed to ensure the delimitation of the operational areas, with video cameras that allow the valves and surrounding areas to be monitored. Likewise, seeking to avoid electrical risks, a grounding system has been implemented to guarantee a safe environment for personnel and facilities.