Adventure 15 - Mazeppa Compressor Start Up

One of the great things about my job is being given the flexibility to go out into the field to see what goes on out there.  I made a special request to visit the Mazeppa Receipt Station near Okotoks, Alberta.  I wanted to start up one of the compressors there and put it in the Adventure column.  This picture on the left is actually the Mazeppa Gas plant that feeds into our receipt station.

One of our operators, Mitch, would be my tour guide/trainer for the day. It's about a 45 minute drive to Mazeppa, so on our way out, Mitch points out the markers along the way which are red and white striped posts that show where our transmission lines run underground as well as ball markers attached to poles for assistance on aerial views.  The trip is also highlighted with deer and bird sightings as well as the views of the land.  This is also referred to as Mitch's "Office".

Once we get to the station there are protocols and safety issues that need to be addressed.  Our control centre is contacted to let them know who is coming and going from the site and what we'll be doing while were there.  Next, Mitch fills out the required hazard assessment and points out the exits in case of emergency, the wind sock so we know to move cross wind if we have any issues with air quality, and some additional minor details.

Starting a compressor is unadventurous in itself, just push a button.  It's the build up about what's going to happen before you push that button that is the juicy part.   The compressor has extremely high pressure running on 12 cylinders. It's absolutely huge.  You really need to be aware of your surroundings and what it is capable of.  There is a lot of monitoring and recording on Mitch's part. When I finally do press that button, it pressures up to about 800 pounds.  By the time it is in full gear, the floor is vibrating, it's getting warmer and it sounds like a small plane revving up for take off.  The amount of gas it takes to start and stop this compressor could heat my home for about 3 months.  Wow.

There was an added bonus to this adventure.  As it turned out, there was a meter that was scheduled to be changed and another one of our operators, Dave came out to complete the job.  I filled the position as his eager assistant. 

The Control Centre was again notified that a third person was at the station and why there were there.  A second hazard assesment is filled out and Dave points out all the possible hazards that could occur.

It the building where we change the meter, Mitch has an air quality meter which was tested first to make sure it is operating correctly, and is with us at all time to make sure there is no H2S in the air. 

The interesting part of the meter being changed was releasing the gas out of the line and watching it being flared.  Again, there is high pressure gas in the lines and if something goes wrong it can be serious.  We are always aware of the safety factor.

Part of my job as assistant was to remove the bolts that attach the meter to the pipe.  This wasn't an easy task for me as they were in there pretty good and I haven't been lifting weights lately to build up the necessary muscle required.  This is why I will never be attempting to change the tires on my vehicle; I'd never get the bolts off.  For the most part I was the attentive witness to it all.

Overall, it was a great day.  I learned a little about what goes on in the field and I can relate it to my job when I get back to the office.  The paperwork for the meter change will be on someone's desk soon enough and the information needs to be entered into the Gas Management System and the measurement continues to be monitored.  

Start a Compressor.... check.  Change a Gas Meter.....check. 

Maybe this should count as two adventures :-)