Technicians from the public company Petroecuador completed the construction and tying works of the aerial variant of the Trans-Ecuadorian Oil Pipeline System (SOTE) over the Marker River, located in the Piedra Fina sector, in the province of Napo.
The construction of this variant was carried out as a preventive action against the regressive erosion that exists in the river, where the SOTE crossed subfluvially. The works began on February 9, 2022.
The state company reported that during the first stage of construction of the bypass, 95 technicians from Petroecuador and the Army Corps of Engineers carried out design, piloting and foundation work for the towers for air passage, as well as welding the pipeline.
Regressive erosion once again threatens Ecuador’s oil pipelines; forecasts are already made
In total, 330 meters of bypass were built to prevent damage to SOTE operations and maintain continuous operation in the transportation of crude oil.
As complementary activities, non-destructive tests and hydrostatic tests were carried out, in order to ensure the integrity of the pipeline and the optimal functioning of the pipeline.
In addition, during the leveling works, the crude oil was drained and a shutter was installed in the San Luis sector and sectioning valves in the El Chicharrón and Piedra Fina sections, to contain the hydrocarbon and avoid any incident.
Red alert for erosion in the Quijos River, in the Ecuadorian Amazon; the sinkhole has already reached the edge of the San Luis community
Works are also being carried out to protect the pipeline, which include the installation of the tape-type coating and the burying of the entire pipeline, with the exception of the aerial crossing over the Marker River.
Petroecuador is currently working on the definitive solution to safeguard the infrastructure of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System, in the face of regressive erosion in the Quijos River, Napo province, which is planned to be builta to the right bank of this tributary and thus avoid further damage to the pipeline. (I)
Source: Eluniverso
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
