The missing link

In 2020, the Borealis site in Kallo gained an additional section of propylene pipeline, while this investment enables Pipelink to expand its asset base by over five kilometres. To ensure a good start and a long service life, the pipeline was inspected in late 2021, shortly after commissioning by Borealis.

The new ND150 propylene pipe connects the production site of Borealis Kallo with the existing ND150 propylene pipe that runs between Antwerp and Borealis’ polypropylene plant in Beringen. The construction of this missing link enables Borealis to transport its propylene directly from Kallo to Beringen.

The new propylene pipe for Borealis measures 5.1 kilometres and features two block valve stations, various road crossings, and a challenging section of about 800 metres where it crosses the river Scheldt. The project involved 1,925 metres of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) in total.

The works were carried out at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, from late 2019 until the summer of 2020. Despite the additional pressure as a result of the pandemic, the project was delivered on time and in line with our high quality and safety requirements. A fine achievement by all project partners!

To enable the effective management of this new section of pipeline, Pipelink carried out intelligent pigging in October 2021. During the course of this in-line inspection, we measure wall thickness, ovality, and other specifications over the entire length of the pipe. The result of the subsequent periodic inspections are compared against these baseline values.

Pipelink regularly inspects all of its assets using visual drive-by inspections, walk-over inspections with trained dogs, cathodic protection management, and in-line inspections.

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