In the Field
New technologies minimize environmental impact

Facilities at Pump Stations (PS) 1, 3, 4 and 9 underwent some changes as the company prepares to install new electric motor driven mainline pumps as part of Strategic Reconfiguration. The project will modernize the current operations with the new pumps at PS 1, 3, 4 and 9 being electrified, automated and upgraded to use new modular mainline pump systems, while PS 5 is being electrified, automated and upgraded to use a new booster/injection pump system.

Alyeska is preparing for these new systems by installing new pilings and work pads at the pump stations. Workers are avoiding potential environmental or operational disruptions by using ground penetrating radar (GPR) to produce continuous cross-sectional profiles of subsurface features at construction sites without drilling, probing, or digging.

"The GPR allows us to locate anything that might not be available on as-built drawings," said David Biggs, survey coordinator. "It shows us the existing cables, pipes or other objects that are hidden beneath the surface."

GPR works by sending pulses of ultra high frequency radio waves into the ground through an antenna. These waves reflect off buried objects and can distinguish between natural earth materials and foreign subsurface objects. This nondestructive method of capturing geophysical data can record depths of 100 feet, depending on the landform.

The Trans Alaska Pipeline System was originally designed with 12 pump stations, but only 11 were built due to overall pumping efficiency. Five pump stations (1, 3, 4, 7, and 9) are currently operating to pump oil through the line with PS 5 serving as a pressure relief station.