Spectra Energy Prepares the Pipe

Workers weld pipe sections that have been trucked to the construction work site.

Each weld is visually inspected and then X-rayed to ensure the integrity of the weld. A special epoxy coating is then applied to each of the welded joints.

Stringing

The steel pipe sections or “joints” in 40- or 60-foot lengths are trucked to the construction work area and “strung” out along the route in the areas where they are to be welded together.

Bending

The pipe joints are bent to follow the route of the pipeline and contours of the ground. A specialized pipe-bending machine is used. The amount of the bend is limited to avoid damaging the pipe.

Welding & X-Ray Inspection

Once the individual pipe joints are bent to fit the trench, they are welded together on the ditch bank into long continuous sections (up to 4,000 feet depending on terrain). The welding is highly controlled and performed by qualified welders using required, specified welding techniques.

Each weld made on the pipeline is visually and radiographically (i.e. by X-ray) inspected to ensure the integrity of every weld.

Coating

Specialized epoxy coating is applied to each of the weld joint areas after the radiographic inspection is complete and the weld has been approved. The coating on the entire pipe section is electronically checked and repaired, if necessary, prior to lowering the pipe in the ditch.