www.tdwilliamson.com December 2004 In This Issue: Archives Check out the past issues of our newsletters. Click Here FeedBack Have a suggestion, comment, or idea? Let us know about it. Click Here Contact Us! Subscribe Print Version Click the printer above to print out the text version of this newsletter. TDW Job-Site Solutions Visit TDW's Web site to learn more about how professionals in your industry have teamed up with TDW to solve their pipeline maintenance problems! Visit TDW Job-Site Articles HotTapsTDW.com PiggingTDW.com Your Source for Piping Solutions! Working 'Til The Sun Comes Up While it's always nice to be complimented when a project goes smoothly and on-schedule, it's especially nice when a project is especially demanding and takes longer than expected. Such was the case with a recently completed project by TDW and a natural gas company, when what should have been a three-hour morning job became an all-night challenge! The project involved tying in a new service line to a 5 ¼-inch gas main. The new line, providing service to a church, was required because of a faulty valve on the existing service line. While work was being done, the main had to be kept in service to supply customers down the line. The existing main, an odd size, had been installed in 1956. A bypass would be installed around the work area, keeping the main in service. A 3 x 4 SHORTSTOPP® II Plugging System would be used. A TDW rep was on hand to familiarize the crew with the system. Technicians remove the downstream SHORTSTOPP II Plugging Machine after the job is completed. The bypass (green line) has become part of the main line. TDW had prepared special sealing elements that would conform to the pipe ID, but when the pipe was tapped and the pipe wall measured, the wall thickness was larger than expected and the nose piece custom-manufactured by TDW for this specific pipe was too large. A TDW engineer was called in to review the pipe and coupon measurements. The sealing elements were damaged, the local TDW plant provided with precisely ground, reshaped sealing elements in short order. The new sealing elements were again unsuccessful, but the identical damage to the sealing elements led the TDW crew to suspect "something wrong in the hole." Further investigation revealed that on the previous day a welder "had a little burn-through and had to ping and weld part of the pipe to seal it off." Nearly 16 hours after the "simple job" began, the mystery was solved with the realization that the main at the downstream plugging location was deformed by burn-through. The solution was to set a new plugging fitting in front of (upstream) 3-WAY™ Tee fitting. This solution required another custom-fabricated four-inch weld fitting and additional customized sealing elements. The TDW plant night crew worked diligently to prepare these parts, and shortly after midnight, flow was successfully stopped and flow diverted through the bypass. The faulty valve was removed and the new service line installed. The remainder of the project proceeded smoothly and the customer praised the efforts and expertise of TDW. "Not many companies would give the time and effort your employees spent with us," said the operations supervisor. "I have said for years that TDW is a stand-up company that stands behind their product, and once again you guys pulled through. Without your assistance on this job, we would still be scratching our heads." A technician checks the fittings after the job is completed. Night or day... TDW is here to help you "control the flow." For more information about TDW Field Services, visit TDWilliamson.com or contact your TDW representative 800-828-1988. T.D. Williamson, Inc. Announces New President Bruce Binkley to Become Sixth President T.D. Williamson, Inc., a trusted name in the pipeline industry since 1920, is pleased to announce that Bruce Binkley has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer effective January 1, 2005. Binkley replaces Pete Samoff who is retiring June 30 after leading the company for the past nine years. During Mr. Samoff's tenure, T. D. Williamson, Inc., has grown significantly by offering an expanding array of piping maintenance and integrity solutions to its global customers. Since 2001, Binkley has served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Western Hemisphere Region. He has 25 years experience in financial and operational management including 17 years in various roles with TDW. His broad scope of experience includes business development, acquisitions, new products and services, and international market expansion programs. Binkley has a B.S. in Business Administration from Harding University, and an MBA in International Business from the University of Tulsa. More information about Tulsa-based T.D. Williamson, Inc., can be found at TDWilliamson.com. LineMaster™ 2005 Spring Schedule T.D. Williamson, Inc. continues to provide the most comprehensive hot tapping, plugging and pigging instruction available in compliance with Department of Transportation covered tasks, standards and requirements. Rigorous hands-on training and operator qualification LineMaster™ programs are TDW's commitment to the industry. LineMaster Training assists you with ensuring your technicians are trained at the highest level available. In our state-of-the-art facilities and with our pressurized simulated pipeline, TDW's LineMaster Training program is an in-depth series of classes designed to fulfill DOT Pipeline Safety Operator Qualification rules. To meet DOT requirements, training programs must include classroom time, written exams and hands-on simulated conditions. TDW's LineMaster Training meets these requirements. TDW LineMaster Training is the best in the business. The company you've trusted with your piping maintenance needs for more than 80 years has the experience to train your technicians and operators effectively and efficiently. March 28-31 Transmission Class April 4-7 Distribution Class 17 T-101 Class 18-19 Pigging Class May-June 30- 2 Distribution Class Class Information and Registration For more information, contact TDW at 918-447-5100 or toll-free at 888-839-6766. Or call your local TDW representative. Upcoming Trade Shows Don't forget to visit TDW's booth at upcoming trade shows. We are attending several in the next few months, including: Events – 2005 Trade Shows Dates Locations Pipeline Pigging & Integrity Management Conference Feb 7-10 Houston, TX NPRA Refining May 24-27 New Orleans, LA You can submit other e-mail addresses by simply completing the fields below. 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