Doc No:

Bandit Pipeline Initial Issue Date 2012

Safety Management System
Revision Date: Feb 2018

Revision No. 4
MUD PLUG INSTALLATION Next Revision Date: Feb 2019
Preparation: Safety Manager Authority: President Issuing Department: Safety Page 1 of 4

REFERENCES
Personal Protective Equipment Standards 1.13
Gas Testing 1.24
Monitoring Gaseous Areas 1.37
Lockouts and Forceful Removal of a Lock 1.2
Installation of Blanking Devices 1.45

ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
Gas Testing Log

PURPOSE
Mud (gel) plugs are installed at line-repair or tie-in locations to prevent residual water, crude oil
and hydrocarbon vapors from entering the work area through open-ended piping.
Three types of mud plugs, or a combination of them are used:

• Removable: for installing flanges or removable fittings.

• Vented: for installing flanges or removable fittings.
• Solid: for line repairs and joining two pipes.

HAZARDS

• Gas vapors.
• Hydrocarbon fluids.
• Produced water.
• Sharp edges on pipe after cold cutting.
• H2S
• Pressure release

STANDARDS
Mud plugs must not be used as a replacement for isolation. The type of mud plug selected is
determined on a per site basis.

Bandit Pipeline Rev 4 2018 1

 Doc No:

Bandit Pipeline Initial Issue Date 2012

Safety Management System
Revision Date: Feb 2018

Revision No. 4
MUD PLUG INSTALLATION Next Revision Date: Feb 2019
Preparation: Safety Manager Authority: President Issuing Department: Safety Page 2 of 4

Responsibilities
The operations sponsor will complete decommissioning as specified in the written plan.
Operations will complete a lock out and blanking tour.
The Job Site supervisor and contractor will select the proper mud plug.
Operations will complete a decommissioning plan, which includes purging, lockout and blanking
procedures, before mud plugs are installed.

Special Equipment
Gas detection equipment.

GUIDELINES
Notes and Cautions
A typical mud plug consists of a mixture of Wyoming bentonite clay and water or windshield
washer fluid. These are combined to form a stiff plastic mixture.
The impact of mud plug type and retrieval should be discussed with operations. A solid mud
plug should always be used to supplement a mechanical seal plug.
To obtain maximum swelling capability, freshly prepared mud plug material should always be
used.
Pressure may build up when using non vented plugs. Provide relief through venting.

GENERAL PROCEDURE
Mud Plug Installation
1. Prepare the line for plug installation.
2. Hand file the sharp edges left by the cold-cutter wheels.
3. Clean the inside of the pipe before installing the plug.
4. Install the mud plug into the line.

Bandit Pipeline Rev 4 2018 2

 Doc No:

Bandit Pipeline Initial Issue Date 2012

Safety Management System
Revision Date: Feb 2018

Revision No. 4
MUD PLUG INSTALLATION Next Revision Date: Feb 2019
Preparation: Safety Manager Authority: President Issuing Department: Safety Page 3 of 4

Mix mud plugs using window-washer antifreeze in winter.

Provide a means to remove mud material after the work is complete if required (e.g. backing
plate and wire).
Install a vent hose in the line for vented mud plugs.
Ensure the free end of the hose is downwind of the repair and gas detection is performed at the
vent area as well as the repair site.

Installing Vented Mud Plugs

1. Install a vent hose in the line for vented mud plugs.
2. Cut two steel plates to a size smaller than the inside pipeline diameter.
• Ensure the plates will pass back through the flange-neck root weld.
3. Cut a hole in the plates to allow the hose to pass through the plates.
4. Use retainer bolts to pull the plates together.
5. Ensure the free end of the hose is at least 20m downwind of the repair.
6. Ensure gas detection is performed at the vent areas well as the repair area when using
vented plugs.

Bandit Pipeline Rev 4 2018 3

 Doc No:

Bandit Pipeline Initial Issue Date 2012

Safety Management System
Revision Date: Feb 2018

Revision No. 4
MUD PLUG INSTALLATION Next Revision Date: Feb 2019
Preparation: Safety Manager Authority: President Issuing Department: Safety Page 4 of 4

Bandit Pipeline Rev 4 2018 4