A 36 inch butterfly valve on the flare line of a major onshore LNG plant had been stuck in the closed position for several years, preventing use of the backup flare system. A partial facility shutdown was planned as part of the normal facility maintenance routines and use of the backup flare system was critical to avoid a full shutdown. Conventional intervention methods were estimated to have an incremental shutdown of one month. Replacing the failed butterfly valve prior to maintenance was the key enabler to allow operational continuity, mitigating an extended shutdown. The facility is one of the world’s largest suppliers of LNG. Current global energy demand and supply issues meant a halt in production would have major impacts on the plant operator and customers alike.

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