TITLE

SECTION 38:
SUBJECT 03:

Pipelines and Terminals Manual/Volume 3 - Maintenance

* Pipeline Construction and Repair
Mud Plug Installation

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Mud (gel) plugs are installed at line-repair or tie-in locations to prevent residual water,
crude oil and hydrocarbon vapours from entering the work area through open-ended
piping.
Three types of mud plugs, or a combination of them are used:

Removable: for installing flanges or removable fittings.

Vented: for installing flanges or removable fittings.

Solid: for line repairs and joining two pipes.

REFERENCES
PDM 03-02-05: Critical Procedures: Lockouts and Forceful Removal of a Lock
PDM 03-08-20: Product Movement-Piping & Accessories: Blanking and Tagging &
Installation of Blanks and Blinds
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
None
DEFINITIONS
None
PROCEDURE
Mud plugs must not be used as a replacement for isolation. The type of mud plug
selected is determined on a per site basis.
Notes and Cautions

A typical mud plug consists of a mixture of Wyoming bentonite clay and water or
windshield washer fluid. These are combined to form a stiff plastic mixture.

The impact of mud plug type and retrieval should be discussed with operations.

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SECTION 38.03:

Pipeline Construction and Repair

Mud Plug Installation

A solid mud plug should always be used to supplement a mechanical seal plug.

To obtain maximum swelling capability, freshly prepared mud plug material should
always be used.

Pressure may build up when using non vented plugs. Provide relief through
venting.

Mud Plug Installation

1. Prepare the line for plug installation.
2. Hand file the sharp edges left by the cold-cutter wheels.
3. Clean the inside of the pipe before installing the plug.
4. Install the mud plug into the line.

Mix mud plugs using window-washer antifreeze in winter.

Provide a means to remove mud material after the work is complete if required
(e.g. backing plate and wire).

Install a vent hose in the line for vented mud plugs. Ensure the free end of the
hose is downwind of the repair and gas detection is performed at the vent area
as well as the repair site.

Installing Vented Mud Plugs

1. Install a vent hose in the line for vented mud plugs.
2. Cut two steel plates to a size smaller than the inside pipeline diameter.
Ensure the plates will pass back through the flange-neck root weld.
3. Cut a hole in the plates to allow the hose to pass through the plates.
4. Use retainer bolts to pull the plates together.
5. Ensure the free end of the hose is at least 20m downwind of the repair.
Ensure gas detection is performed at the vent areas well as the repair area when using
vented plugs.

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