Ensuring Smoother Oil and Gas Operations in Fort McMurray Canada

When it comes to oil and gas operations in Fort McMurray, Canada, equipment reliability is key. For heavy oil and bitumen transport, there needs to be confidence that your equipment can stand up to the extreme temperatures and pressures as well as the harsh media in the industry. If components—including valves, tubing, hoses, and fittings—are unsuitable for these conditions, they can fail, potentially creating a hazard to operators. This post will briefly explain the roles these components play in the reliability of oil and gas operations.

The Importance of Valves in Oil and Gas Operations in Fort McMurray 

Valves are the beating heart(s) of any oil and gas facility. They are used to control flow rates, isolate and protect equipment, and guide and direct the refining process of crude oil. This network of valves must meet the evolving needs of a fluid system during operation:

Valves are present throughout fluid system design, and regularly-scheduled monitoring and maintenance will ensure their continuous operation as well as minimize fugitive emissions. 

It’s difficult to discuss valves without considering the outsized role they play in fugitive emissions. With ever-intensifying efforts to curb leaks, leak detection and repair (LDAR) practices should begin with a plan for valves and valve stems. 

There’s both a financial basis and a safety aspect to preventing fugitive emissions that will ensure continued operations. First, preventing fugitive emissions conserves valuable products. Second, fugitive emissions in excess of regulations or standards can demand immediate repairs or lead to punitive fines. Regulatory penalties can even carry the potential for shutdown in severe cases. 

Most importantly, valve reliability is essential to the safety of operators using the equipment. The highly flammable and explosive fluids in oil and gas leave no room for error. For all of these reasons, valves should be regularly monitored, inspected, and replaced when necessary.

Tubing and Tube Fittings

While valves are responsible for the vast majority of leaks in a refinery, don’t forget about the reliability of other, simpler components like tubing, hoses, and fittings. Premature failures often occur when fittings are installed incorrectly—for example, by not fully inserting tubing, under-or over-tightening, or placing bends too close to the end of the tube. Failures can also be caused by surface damage like dents, scratches, or corrosion, so these are things to watch out for. 

Speaking of tubing, using tubing instead of piping wherever possible can help ensure reliability. Tubing can be installed more easily with fewer potential leak points, and tube fittings are designed not to leak because they have either a metal-to-metal seal or a mating component with an elastomeric seal. Piping, on the other hand, often requires threaded connections, pipe dope, and/or PTFE tape to prevent leakage.

Your Fort McMurray Oil and Gas Operations Can Benefit from Our Expertise

You need confidence that the components of your oil and gas operations in Fort McMurray, Canada, will be up to the task while you’re out in the field. Edmonton Valve & Fitting is here to provide you with the equipment, knowledge, and training via our Field Advisors. Our local Fort McMurray branch is ready to assist you with any questions you may have from installation to maintenance. For all aspects of your operations, Edmonton Valve & Fitting is committed to providing you with the best quality equipment and support to keep your fluid systems performing at their highest level.