Bangkok:The Ministry of Energy is actively overseeing repairs to the oil pipeline on Chueapleng Road, Rama 3, after a leak was detected. The affected 14-meter section of the pipeline has been replaced, but the entire system will undergo comprehensive inspections and tests before being reopened to ensure safety.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Thitiphas Chotdechachainant, Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Chair of the Intensive Monitoring Committee for Energy Reform, has been tasked by Minister of Energy Mr. Ekanat Promphan to supervise the repair efforts. The entire 66-kilometer oil pipeline system in Bangkok is undergoing inspections to identify and mitigate potential risks.
The next phase involves cleaning and internally inspecting the pipeline, known as running a pig, and conducting safety tests. The pipeline is expected to reopen in about a month, pending successful inspections. Sections of the original pipeline will be analyzed by the National Metal and Materials Technology Center to determine the leak’s cause, with results anticipated in 4-5 weeks.
The Department of Energy Business has requested that relevant companies perform Intelligent Pigging Tests using smart shuttles to assess the internal condition of the pipeline. This data, combined with analysis results from MTEC, will help identify at-risk sections for necessary improvements or replacements.
In the future, the Ministry of Energy aims to integrate real-time data on oil pipeline transportation systems with the Department of Energy Business for quick response to any detected abnormalities or emergencies. Mr. Chatchai Khunlohit, Deputy Director-General of the Department, emphasized that all repair processes must comply with safety standards and legal requirements. The work area remains closed, with safety personnel monitoring the situation closely until operations can safely resume.