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Shallow Nation

June 11th, 2009 at 1:34 am

National Geographic: World’s Toughest Fixes: Alaska Oil Pipeline (Video, Photos)

National Geographic World's Toughest Fixes Alaska Pipeline

Here are National Geographic: World’s Toughest Fixes Alaska Oil Pipeline video and photos. The program airs on June 11, 2009 at 9 p.m. PT/ET on National Geographic channel.

The second episode of World’s Toughest Fixes is Alaska Oil Pipeline . WTF (as the program is also affectionately known) follows the program’s host, professional rigger Sean Riley who works on various assignments around the world with top mechanics and engineers. This time he is in Alaska fixing an oil pipeline.

Riley who is known for his wit and down to earth approach to complex problems which has won an loyal viewership of the program, says of his Alaska Pipeline adventure: “I feel like I’m ready to go in the microwave … I really hope we do not have a hole in the pipe, because I don’t ever want to get back in this suit again.”

The popular host, Sean Riley, made a memorable appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on June 3, 2009. See the video and several behind the scenes photos here: Riley on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

National Geographic World's Toughest Fixes Alaska Pipeline

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA: In National Geographic Channel’s World Toughest Fixes, host Sean Riley fixes the leaky oil valve #72 that hasnÕt met the strict pipeline standards. The removal of the leaky valve and pipe come is removed very carefully. (Photo by Jenny McAllister / NGT)

National Geographic World’s Toughest Fixes Alaska Oil Pipeline video reveals that Sean Riley joins a team on the 800-mile Trans-Alaska oil pipeline which is the conduit for nearly 15 percent of U.S. domestic oil production. Riley and the team have only 36 hours to swap out one of the line’s 32-ton valves — a plug that helps block the pipe and lessen the damage in the event of an oil spill. In order to accomplish this, Riley and the team must first plug the line to isolate it and then drain the oil from the section they need to replace.

Next, they cut into the pipe and weld on a new valve. Welding around crude oil is among the most dangerous jobs in industry. Pipeline and oilfield accidents claim hundreds of lives every year. For Riley and his team, failure is not an option.

For more background on the episode, see Riley’s blog: The Right Tool For The Job

Riley, in addition to hosting World’s Toughest Fixes, is the founder and principal rigging designer for San Francisco based company Gravity Design Inc., which provides innovative rigging and force management solutions for an international roster of large-scale industry clients, from circus acts to industrial installations such as wind turbines, underwater welding or commercial solar energy fields.

Top Photo: FAIRBANKS, ALASKA: In National Geographic Channel’s World Toughest Fixes, host Sean Riley fixes the leaky oil valve #72 that hasnÕt met the strict pipeline standards. The crew is standing by for the new replacement pipe to be cleaned and prepped. (Photo by Jenny McAllister / NGT&F)

Check out some National Geographic World’s Toughest Fixes Alaska Oil Pipeline video videos below.

Video “Mighty Explosive” – The oil is safely cut off from the pipe, but the residual gas is extremely dangerous Video Link

Video “Crude Oil Blast” – When the Alaskan oil pipeline springs a leak, it is a major problem so Riley gears up to learn how to fix it: Video Link

Video “Fixing the Pipe” – The best welders in the world are sealing in the new valve in the pipeline — very carefully. Video Link

Photos and video courtesy of National Geographic Channel