Apr 8, 2024
Oct
15
2021
The building blocks of the NGTL System
Compressor stations are the important building blocks of a natural gas pipeline system, connecting great lengths of pipeline into a cohesive network and providing the engine to move energy to where it needs to go. The 30-megawatt (MW) Nordegg, Beiseker and Didsbury compressor station unit additions are each a significant piece of the 2021 NGTL System Expansion Project, and all recently came into service – on time, on budget and with a Total Recordable Case Rate that exceeded the set targets in over 850,000 exposure hours. The unique schedule of this program also allowed the compressor station unit additions to be built off-site using modular construction, reducing the typical construction timelines from 12-16 months to 7-9 months.
“These compressor stations represent critical pieces of infrastructure, but more importantly, helped to build lasting relationships and meaningful memories for those who worked tirelessly on them,” shares Jawad Masud, SVP, Operations, Engineering & Projects, Canada Gas.
While all of the project teams demonstrated collaboration, quality and the highest standards of safety, each project manager reflects on what stood out to them the most.
Nordegg C6 Unit Addition: Innovation
“Under commercial and schedule restraints, the compression program was under mandate to deliver the projects quicker than traditional timelines. Using modular innovation, many components were manufactured off-site at fabrication yards, then transported via trucks and assembled onsite. The risk from module fit-up was an important consideration and mitigated by testing and 3D scanning. From engineering to operations, teams had to think outside the box to deliver these facilities in a way never done before!” Andrew Wytsma, Project Manager
Beiseker B3 Unit Addition: Diversity
“Diversity of thought and experience can lead to innovation and foster a strong sense of collaboration. On the Beiseker B3 Unit Addition project, the values of diversity and collaboration were foundational with our contractor, this fostered a great culture and experience for all on site and in the mod yard. Another great example of this positive and inclusive environment was the large contingent of women in our workforce while in construction. This was empowering for our teams and certainly integral to our project’s success,” says Anuraag Gupta, Project Manager.
Didsbury B7 Unit and Cooler Addition: Community
“In the words of one of the students at the Westglen school, ‘I didn’t like science before, but I kinda do now.’” explains Adrien Belage, Project Manager. “This is a simple statement that hopefully encourages all of us to strive towards positively impacting the communities in which we work. The tight knit group at Didsbury B7 not only completed the project successfully but rallied together to raise funds and engage with multiple local organizations including the Westglen school in Didsbury, Thumbs Up Mental Health and the Orange Shirt Society.”
