In order to improve their pipeline capabilities in the Puget Sound area, which includes metering delivery stations at Anacortes and Ferndale, Kinder Morgan has constructed a new pumping station at Laurel, Washington.

Two 2,500hp medium voltage pumps were installed with the capability of serving either of 2 different pipelines, or both pipelines at the same time. The relief at the station was upgraded, and the two 96,000 barrel storage tanks re-connected and brought back into service.

The project was challenging due to the complexity of pumping requirements and station safety had to be at the forefront of all decisions. Along with the 2 pumps, a 300hp medium voltage booster pump was installed to increase pump suction pressure from the storage tanks.

3D modeling was used to ensure the complex layers of piping would fit and allow for maintenance to all valves. Modeling was used in reviewing alternate layouts and arrangements that lead to a practical layout of the site, piping and electrical facilities.

All equipment was commissioned and brought online during the winter shutdown in early 2009 without any delays to the terminals.

Owner: Kinder Morgan (Canada) Inc., Calgary, AB. (Alan Waggett)

Civil/Structural, Mechanical and Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering and Design: Fransen Engineering Ltd., Richmond, BC. (Kevin Savage, P.Eng.; Raymond Tong, P.Eng.; Doug Morris, P.Eng; Mark Lafferty, P.Eng.)

Construction: Diamond B Construction, Bellingham, WA. (Peter Chapman, Tom Franks)