Oil and gas construction requires more experience, greater attention to detail, and a better understanding of safety precautions than many other types of construction. Contractors for oil and gas sites must do everything from procuring permits to building out temporary roadways to deliver materials and haul away debris. Continue reading to learn more about what goes on during pipeline and oilfield facility construction.
The Oilfield Facility Construction Process
Oil and gas companies are constantly looking to expand their production capabilities. That makes choosing the right contractor for oil and gas projects critical. An experienced and reputable oil and gas construction company follows proven processes that simplify oil and natural gas exploration and production.
Let’s take a closer look at what needs to be considered for three of the most common oil and gas construction projects.
Upstream Construction
Upstream oil and gas construction projects are among the most challenging building projects a company can face. Contractors for oil and gas businesses often have to take on challenging landscapes in remote areas while adhering to environmental protection regulations. Furthermore, they have to get oversized machinery and equipment to these areas quickly and safely.
Oilfield facility construction for upstream drilling projects begins with site preparation. Contractors for oil and gas production areas must first create reliable roads and passageways because many don’t have existing infrastructure. The place where drilling will occur upon project completion must also be cleared and leveled. Contractors and builders need to prioritize the safety of workers, pedestrians, and terrain. Safety measures for people include installing handrails, starts, and walkways.
Once the roadways and project site have been excavated and leveled, the next oil and gas construction process can begin. Contractors must then build drill site platforms and create a sturdy foundation for large equipment like cranes and forklifts. This part of the process also includes setting rig floors and substructures, installing auxiliary equipment onsite and at staging areas, and performing comprehensive safety inspections.
Midstream Construction
Oil and gas construction companies working on crude oil or natural gas pipelines use the midstream construction process. Pipeline projects often involve transporting resources from the project site to surrounding consumers. There are six critical stages of midstream oilfield facility construction:
- Building staging areas: Any structures required to store essential equipment and pipeline materials must be effectively built onsite. Contractors for oil and gas projects need to locate suitable staging locations and reinforce them with large matting materials for stability.
- Clear pipeline right-of-ways: Trees and any other impediments must be removed and hauled from the site to make way for pipelines to be laid. While property owners affected by oil and gas construction may choose to sell timber themselves, they often decide to make the disposal or sale of it the contractor’s responsibility.
- Excavating: Oil and gas companies must dig trenches to a precise standard to ensure pipelines are correctly installed and protected.
- Pipe transport: Contractors for oil and gas pipeline projects must safely and efficiently move pipe sections from staging areas to the trenches and lay them.
- Obstacle identification: Oil and gas construction presents many challenges. Your midstream construction contractor for oil and gas needs to find any obstacles that may disrupt production. They must also have plans for dealing with roads and streams while installing pipelines.
- Testing and restoration: To be certified and authorized for use, pipelines must be tested to prove they can meet regulatory standards. Vast amounts of water are sent through pipelines at higher than required tolerance levels to ensure they’re operational. After compliance standards are met, the land above the pipeline is seeded and fertilized to restore it to its original condition.
Once trenches have been dug, pipes are assembled next to them in various ways. Welding and bending tools, joints, and sand-blasting techniques are used during oilfield facility construction to ensure the line is structurally sound and corrosion-proof. Because of open flames and sparks during welding construction services, safety is a top priority. If strict protocols are not followed, explosions are a genuine concern.
Downstream Construction
Downstream oil and gas construction consists of manufacturing, refining, and providing gas products made from crude. This type of oilfield facility construction is typically less complex and labor intensive than the previous methods, but is vital nonetheless.
Refinery sites require new construction, additions, new platform structures, and many other builds at the beginning of projects and as production expands.
Calahan Construction has over 80 years of experience building in Denver and the Front Range. Reach out today to see how we can improve your next oil and gas construction project.
Additional Oil and Gas Construction Company Considerations
Pipeline construction is mainly done underground, but there are numerous above-ground infrastructure needs. Oilfield facility construction includes:
- Compressor stations
- Structures for maintaining pressure levels
- Valve stations
- Metering stations
Choose Calahan as Your Oil and Gas Construction Company
Since 1937, Calahan Construction has provided Denver and the Front Range with the highest-quality commercial general contracting services. We’re a family-owned and operated company that offers small business customer service and large corporation results.
We have hands-on experience in oil and gas construction and prioritize safety, value, and quality in all our projects. Our in-house team of architects and engineers makes Calahan your single-source design-build contractor, saving you time and money. We provide a more collaborative experience so your oil and gas construction project is precisely what you want and need.
Contact Calahan Construction today to find out why we’re a trusted contractor for oil and gas construction in Denver and beyond.
