Submitted by Philip Oliver, Transformational Change Manager.
Problem Statement
Breaking flanges to physically isolate systems when decommissioning is time intensive and introduces the risk of disturbing asbestos present in compressed asbestos fibre (CAF) type gaskets
Aims
- Reduce personnel asbestos exposure and minimise the requirement for asbestos removal specialists when breaking flanges during decommissioning.
- Reduce the time required for providing positive isolations during decommissioning.
Method
To solve the issue, our decommissioning services contract proposed using the Springlynn system, a self-tapping saddle for draining and venting systems adopted from the water industry.
Impact
The system has been simple to use and can be deployed by someone with no previous training. It removes the need to break flanges but ensures that re-energisation of the pipeline cannot occur. The system eliminates potential risk of exposure from asbestos fibre (CAF) gaskets.