Communication Problem with RGV Results in Temporary Shutdown

The pipeline was temporarily shut down at 5:40 p.m. on March 20, following a communication failure on Remote Gate Valve 80, north of Pump Station 9. At approximately 7:00 p.m., the pipeline was restarted after the valve was visually inspected. The problem was identified as a malfunction in the wiring to the Alascom battery. A temporary repair was made by Alascom with assistance from Alyeska Pipeline technicians; a permanent repair is being made this week. The North Slope producers were reduced to 50 percent of normal production while the pipeline was shutdown.

Pipeline Slowed Down

The north end of the pipeline was idled for approximately one hour on Sunday morning, March 21, because of loss of power at Pump Station 3. The power loss was caused by a generator failure and the back-up system did not automatically activate. The North Slope Oil Producers were reduced to 50 percent during this incident. The power at the Pump Station was restored within 20 minutes and the northern end of the pipeline was brought back on line. The pipeline was returned to normal operation at 8:00 a.m.