Early Completion of Gas Pipeline Construction in the Leningrad Oblast by Stroytransgaz (Video Review)

Stroytransgaz has completed the construction of an inter-settlement gas pipeline (length 33.67 km) for 6 settlements in the Vyborgsky District, Leningrad Oblast, from the village of Polyana to the village of Krasnaya Dolina 3 months ahead of schedule. The project was carried out as part of the Russian Regions Gasification Program being implemented by Gazprom PJSC.

The area subject to gasification had a well-developed infrastructure, so part of the pipeline (length 7.5 km) was laid using horizontal directional drilling, when utilities are pulled along a trajectory below the ground level. The gas pipeline passes over almost 40 obstacles: water bodies (rivers and streams), railways and roads, and power lines. In addition, the constructed pipeline intersects with 4 major oil pipelines. In these sections, the gas pipeline was laid using the trenchless method. Thick-walled pipes with an increased safety margin were used for the construction.

This autumn, Stroytransgaz specialists plan to start tie-in of the gas pipeline with an operating pressure of up to 0.6 MPa. Construction of intra-settlement networks is nearing completion, and soon the settlement residents will have the long-awaited access to gas. 

Construction of the second gas pipeline in the Vyborgsky district is at the final stage as well – from the village of Perovo to the village of Gavrilovo with a branch to the village of Cherkasovo. The construction readiness of the pipeline is 99%, its length is 19.6 km. 

The construction was complicated by rock masses discovered in the course of drilling. STG specialists carried out geophysical survey of the soil, whereupon it was decided to use an open pipe laying method for this section. In total, about 30 different obstacles along the gas pipeline route have been overcome. For instance, one of its sections passes across existing railway tracks. In this section, the builders laid the gas pipeline in a case using the trenchless method. Also, during drilling, special safety rail packs were installed on the railway track to prevent soil subsidence under the rails.

At the intersection with federal highway A-181 “Scandinavia”, the work was carried out without stopping the traffic using the directional drilling method*. Despite the fact that the work on this section was complicated by a routine repair of the road, the gas pipeline was completed on time. 

* a method of well construction where the wells have complex spatial profiles. The works are particularly difficult and require extremely thorough engineering preparation of the project.

In the near future, the intersection of two major gas pipelines will be completed. 

Both facilities have 4 gas distribution plants with lightning protection (GDP) – complexes of process equipment and devices designed to lower the inlet gas pressure to a predetermined level and keep it constant at the outlet, regardless of the gas flow rate. Here the gas will be treated to be cleaned of impurities, moisture and sand. 

Both gas pipelines have successfully passed the required tests. The facilities have been tested for tightness and strength under high pressure. In addition, the quality of welded joints underwent monitoring, which was carried out in two stages: visual and dimensional inspection and ultrasonic test. Following the joints monitoring, an opinion of a special laboratory was obtained, which enabled further construction and installation works.

Upon completion, 10 settlements and over 1,600 households in the Vyborgsky District will have access to natural gas. This will allow to save money when paying utility bills, as natural gas is cheaper than liquefied gas.

Background:

Development of gas supply and gasification systems in the Russian Federation regions is one of the top priorities of Gazprom PJSC.

In 2005–2021, 39,000 km of gas pipelines were built in 69 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, while the investments amounted to about RUB 489 billion. In total, over 1.1 million households and apartments were provided with gas during this period, and more than 6,000 boiler houses and industrial enterprises were connected.

Today, 68 Russian constituent entities and Gazprom PJSC have jointly signed and are implementing the Programs for Regional Gas Supply and Gasification Development for 2021–2025. To ensure construction of inter-settlement gas pipelines, GDS and gas pipeline branches, Gazprom provides funding in the amount of RUB 526.1 billion. Over two thirds of investments are intended for rural areas. In total, 24.4 thousand kilometres of inter-settlement gas pipelines will be built (2.5 times more vs. the previous five-year period), the groundwork will be laid for gasification of 3,632 settlements (2.7 times more vs. the previous five-year period).

Under general contracts concluded with Gazprom Mezhregiongaz LLC, Stroytransgaz JSC is to carry out construction of 11 gasification projects with a total length of over 231 km, including 7 inter-settlement gas pipelines and 4 gas pipeline branches and GDSs.

To date, 230.8 km (99%) of gas pipelines have been welded and laid, and 23
(100%) gas distributors have been installed. Construction of 3 gas distribution
stations is in progress.