energy · Tengiz Oil Field, Kazakhstan
TCO 3GI Pipeline Reroute — GIS Quality Control, Kazakhstan
Provided rigorous GIS analysis and quality control for Tengizchevroil's 3GI pipeline reroute in Kazakhstan — cross-validating GIS data against engineering spreadsheets, verifying ground profiles with 60m-depth geotechnical data, and delivering construction-ready alignment sheets for three drill points.
The Challenge
The Problem We Were Asked to Solve
Tengizchevroil (TCO) needed precise GIS analysis and quality assurance for a pipeline reroute on their 3rd Generation Infrastructure (3GI) expansion programme at the Tengiz oil field in Kazakhstan — one of the world's largest oil fields.
The reroute introduced a series of complex alignment changes through challenging terrain. The project required: - Validating the rerouted pipeline alignment data against engineering spreadsheet calculations — two independent data representations of the same physical route that needed to agree to construction tolerances - Verifying ground profiles along the new alignment using geotechnical survey data from Karasor Well12 (60m depth survey, April 2019) - Processing three distinct drill point alignments (DP21, DP22, DP23) — each requiring individual alignment sheet processing and QC - Integrating bend radii and construction constraints into the final alignment geometry - Delivering construction-ready CAD/GIS files for handover to the installation contractor
Data quality risks were high: errors in alignment data or ground profile validation at this stage would propagate to construction, with significant cost and safety implications in a remote Kazakhstan environment.
Project Details
- Client
- Tengizchevroil (TCO)
- Year
- 2021
- Location
- Tengiz Oil Field, Kazakhstan
- Sector
- energy
Tags
Our Approach
What We Built
Phase 1: Baseline Data Processing and Cross-Validation (2019)
Received and processed the original 3GI Pipeline Reroute data package (dated 2 May 2019) alongside the Karasor Well12 geotechnical survey data (60m depth, dated 30 April 2019). Established baseline datasets for all comparative analysis.
Conducted systematic cross-validation: the rerouted alignment as represented in the GIS was compared point-by-point against the engineering spreadsheet calculations. Any discrepancy in coordinate values, alignment bearings, or attribute data was flagged, investigated, and documented. Deliverable: Rerouted_section_GIS_vs_spreadsheets_data.pdf — a formal discrepancy report identifying all data quality issues and resolution status.
Phase 2: Ground Profile Verification (2020)
Analysed topographic profiles along the rerouted alignment using ArcGIS profile extraction tools. Integrated 60m-depth geotechnical data from Karasor Well12 as an overlay, validating subsurface conditions against pipeline depth requirements and construction constraints. Generated cross-sections at regular intervals for engineering review. Assessed terrain challenges — slope angles, elevation transitions — and produced profile documentation for the geotechnical team.
Phase 3: Alignment Sheet Processing and Final QC (2021)
Processed the three drill point alignments individually: - DP21: Alignment sheet generation and quality control - DP22: Alignment sheet generation and quality control - DP23: Alignment sheet generation and quality control
Generated the rerouted alignment with route bends in DXF format, incorporating accurate bend radii and construction constraint geometries. Two versions produced to capture revision history. Created formal QC documentation including the Alignmentsheets_QC process diagram (GraphML and JPEG) for the project record.
Final deliverables: construction-ready pipeline alignment in DXF format, verified against both GIS and spreadsheet sources, with all quality control documentation.
The Results
What Changed
Quality Assurance - Identified and resolved all discrepancies between GIS and spreadsheet data before the alignment was issued for construction — preventing potential rework or safety incidents in a remote, high-value environment - Ground profile verification using 60m geotechnical data confirmed subsurface conditions were consistent with pipeline design assumptions at all three drill points
Construction Readiness - Delivered three construction-ready alignment packages (DP21, DP22, DP23) with accurate bend geometry, verified coordinate data, and complete QC documentation - Pipeline reroute geometry incorporated correct bend radii and construction clearances, ready for handover to the installation contractor
Risk Reduction - Dual-source validation methodology provided an independent check on the engineering design data — a critical safeguard for infrastructure in a geologically complex and logistically challenging location - Formal QC process documentation provided an auditable record for TCO's project management and regulatory requirements
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