ANCHORAGE, AK - Alyeska Pipeline Service Company started moving oil with its upgraded pumps at Pump Station 3 earlier this week. The company is continuing its upgrade and modernization of pump stations and control systems on the Trans Alaska Pipeline System.

Oil first flowed through the newly installed equipment at the station at 2:05 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11. Crews will now monitor the performance of the new pumps and the turbine generators which power the equipment. The old equipment – known as legacy equipment – will be available during this time as backup if needed. Alyeska crews will closely evaluate the equipment operations and make necessary adjustments as warranted over the next several weeks. This is a significant step in Alyeska’s measured, phased approach to complete the modernization of the pipeline system.

The legacy pumps were the same style of pumps that have been in place since the Trans Alaska Pipeline System's original startup in 1977. Alyeska will be alternating between the new and the legacy equipment to give technicians and engineers an opportunity to test the new system. Work at Pump Station 3 remains before Alyeska declares a complete startup of the operations there. This current testing is essential in providing assurance that the system meets the company's needs. .

Through Thursday, Dec. 13, company officials expressed satisfaction with the performance of the new pumps. The company plans to begin operating the new equipment full time as early as next week.

Located in the foothills of the Brooks Range, Pump Station 3 is the second pump station to begin using new equipment and control systems as part of the Alyeska’s Strategic Reconfiguration project. This project involves installing electrically driven crude oil pumps at four critical pump stations combined with increased automation and upgraded control systems.

In February, Alyeska began moving oil with the upgraded equipment at Pump Station 9 located near Delta Junction. Pump Station 9 uses electricity for the new equipment via commercial power from Golden Valley Electric Association. Power at Pump Station 3 will be provided by two new turbine generators.

Strategic Reconfiguration will position the Trans Alaska Pipeline System for more efficient operation while maintaining or enhancing safety, operational integrity and environmental performance. The new system will also provide more flexibility for future increases or decreases in throughput.

Once Alyeska officials are satisfied with Pump Station 3’s performance, crews will turn their attention to reconfiguring Pump Station 4. Alyeska engineers will apply the lessons learned from the Pump Station 3 and 9 upgrades to help with the completion and startup of Pump Station 4 and eventually Pump Station 1.

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