How do they get water out of a flooded gas main ?

[on31ll]

Ok so some numpty has put his digger through a gas and water main ! Not affected mine but united utilites have contacted a "special team" to deal with it ! One of the lads said that he has seen then pump a special gas into the line to get rid out the water ! But it is just bugging me how they do it ! Sad i no ! But anybody on here know how they do it ?

 

[Mike Jackson]

I would imagine they'll purge it with nitrogen.

 

[Dotty]

Depends on the job. If it's decommissioning pipework I just purge with air and leave the compressor on for at least half an hour, or if it's for a repair or addition then I'll purge with O2 free nitrogen.

 

[grahamgas]

Surely they just use a huge wet vac:teeth_smile:

 

[Mike Jackson]

They could only use a vac if it was intrinsically safe. Far safer to use an inert gas to push it out.

 

[Howsie]

...O2 free nitrogen.

 

[chris watkins]

They use a solvent after the pipe is temporary decommissioned, which picks up the moister, no water can be left in the system.
What it is I don't have a clue but if you really want to know I will ask a friend who will know ?

 

[on31ll]

i was just wondering. just sad aint i. oooo u have a friend that will no ? nice take it he works on them ?

 

[SimonJohns]

I know of a chap down our way that filled the gas main with water when he crossed one of his pipes

Wouldn't of wanted to be him making the phone call to transco

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

I know of a chap down our way that filled the gas main with water when he crossed one of his pipes

Wouldn't of wanted to be him making the phone call to transco

nah no worries try turning a u6 into a balloon thankfully i know all the esp guys got it sorted FOC