Crossing Conflict: The In-Service Lowering of a 34” Crude Oil Pipeline for the Construction of the Owen Flood Diversion Channel

Lakehead Pipe Line Company, Inc. (LPL) was involved in a collaborative effort with State, local, and private agencies to solve a major crossing conflict in Owen, Wisconsin. This report describes the analysis and design of an in-service lowering of a 34” crude oil pipeline. An integrity assessment was performed using internal smart pig data and magnetic particle and ultrasonic inspections. The pipeline lowering design was based on maximum allowable pipe bending moments and included a coating replacement program and river weight installation. The paper describes design options, right-of-way agreement, contracts, pipe repair techniques and construction.