The Challenges of Designing and Installing High Pressure Gas Pipelines Through Inshore, Shallow Waters in Bahrain

摘要

In 1996 BAPCO embarked on a project to expand the Khuff Gas Transmission and Distribution networks in Bahrain. The project was divided into four discrete segments, namely, Transmission, Distribution, Offshore and Downstream. The paper and presentation will briefly describe the overall project and detail the challenges faced by BAPCO in the design and installation of the 3, 18” high pressure gas lines in the offshore segment. The offshore segment links Wharf Valve Station (WVS) at Sitra to Hidd Metering Station (HMS) located some 6 km away on the east side of Bahrain on Muharraq island. This offshore section is comprised of approximately 2 km crossing the main shipping channel that provides access to the port of Mina Salman. The remaining 4 kms traversed shallow waters that, at low tide, were above the water line in some areas. One section actually crossed an offshore island that is used by migrating terns. Challenges related to the protection of the environment during construction and subsequent operation will be detailed. Construction methods used and problems encountered, including steps taken to maintain access to Mina Salman port via the shipping channel, will be also be presented