PetroSA says it's handling leak in pipeline

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The leak in a PetroSA condensate pipeline that runs from the offshore FA platform to the GTL refinery in Mossel Bay was identified by process analysis.

This is according to PetroSA spokesperson, Thandi Nameka.

PetroSA announced on Friday 11 November that the leak was observed on the onshore section in the vicinity of Nautilus Bay, at approximately 90m elevation and about 500m away from the shoreline.

Speaking to George Herald sister paper Mossel Bay Advertiser this week, Nameka said the FA platform produces gas and associated condensate, that are transferred to the onshore GTL Refinery.

She said the offshore reservoirs have been depleted to a point where normal processing of the feed streams is not possible. "Gas and condensate flow to the GTL refinery have therefore been reduced to a minimum for technical reasons."

Nameka said the condensate is landed via a pipeline and the gas is transferred in a separate line. "Both pipelines run below ground from the FA Platform to the GTL refinery and are not visible at any point up to the GTL refinery."

According to Nameka, no visible leak was reported or could immediately be identified. "The most likely area of leakage was at an isolation joint in the pipeline, which is situated in a covered, underground pit. This was confirmed by visual inspection when leaked condensate was detected below the surface of the ground close to the pit."

She said the conclusion was that condensate was leaking from the 8" line. "The exact leakage rate and extent of the leak are not yet known. It has also not yet been possible to confirm the cause of the line failure."

Nameka said the leak point is within a PetroSA servitude. "This is inside the Nautilus Bay Estate, between Mossel Bay and Vleesbaai."

Risks

Nameka told the Advertiser that because condensate is a flammable material, environmental remediation and the repair of the leak will be done in accordance with the standard processes for hazardous materials of this nature.

She confirmed that the incident had been reported to the authorities, as required.

"The estate manager and the chairman of the homeowners' association have been notified and they have cooperated closely with the PetroSA team.

The flow of condensate in the line has been temporarily blocked in. To ensure the safety of personnel on the FA platform, condensate has to be transferred to the refinery from time to time and the condensate line will be used for this purpose," Nameka said.

Meanwhile, the area around the leak has been cordoned off with metal fencing material. A 24-hour security guard controls access to the area.

Nameka told the Advertiser that vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the leak had been cleared to allow for access and minimise fire risks. "PetroSA has mobilised a team to deal with all aspects of this incident.