Kotech KDP-12/7 Winter-Grade Compressor Keeps Belarus Pipeline Purging on Schedule at -20°C

Kotech KDP-12/7 Winter-Grade Compressor Keeps Belarus Pipeline Purging on Schedule at -20°C

Kotech deployed a KDP-12/7 diesel portable air compressor for a 90-day winter pipeline purging campaign at the Rechitsa oilfield in Belarus. Equipped with a comprehensive cold-weather package—including engine block heater, high-capacity battery, and low-viscosity synthetic lubricants—the unit delivered reliable starts at -20°C and maintained stable 7 bar pressure throughout the operation. The compressor achieved 99% uptime, enabling the client to complete pipeline pigging and blow-drying before the deepest freeze set in. This case demonstrates Kotech's capability to provide reliable compressed air solutions for oil and gas pipeline pre-commissioning in extreme cold environments.

Oil & Gas / Pipeline Construction Rechitsa Oilfield, Gomel Region, Republic of Belarus 2025

Cilent/Project

Belarus Oilfield Pipeline Purging & Pre-Commissioning Project

Industy

Oil & Gas / Pipeline Construction

Project Location

Rechitsa Oilfield, Gomel Region, Republic of Belarus

Implementation Year

2025

Project Duration

90 Days (Winter Pipeline Purging Campaign)

Customer Pain Points

When winter arrives in Belarus, it arrives with purpose. Temperatures regularly fall below -20°C, and for pipeline construction crews, that creates a critical problem: any moisture left inside a pipeline during purging can freeze, expand, and crack the pipe from the inside out.

The client was a pipeline service company contracted to purge and dry a newly constructed section of oil pipeline at the Rechitsa oilfield. The work involved pushing cleaning pigs through the line and then blowing dry, heated air through the pipe to remove residual moisture.

Their existing fleet of standard diesel compressors wasn't up to the task. In sub-zero temperatures, they struggled to start. The gelled diesel fuel and thickened lubricants made morning starts a gamble. Even when they did get running, the compressors couldn't maintain consistent pressure, making the purging process unreliable.

The project had a hard deadline: complete the purging before the coldest part of winter made the work impossible. Every day of delay increased the risk of a freeze-up and significant financial penalties.

Solutions

Kotech deployed a single KDP-12/7 diesel portable rotary screw air compressor, specifically configured for the extreme cold conditions in Belarus.

The KDP-12/7 delivers 12 m³/min (424 CFM) at 7 bar working pressure—sufficient for pipeline pigging and blow-drying operations. The unit is rated for ambient temperatures from -20°C to +50°C.

To guarantee reliable operation in sub-zero conditions, the compressor was equipped with a comprehensive **cold-weather package** that included:

- **Engine block heater** to keep coolant warm for reliable starts
- **High-capacity battery** for powerful cold-weather cranking
- **Low-viscosity synthetic lubricants** that stay fluid in freezing temperatures
- **Winter-grade diesel fuel** to prevent gelling

The KDP-12/7 also features a combination valve that recirculates oil past the cooler until it reaches optimal operating temperature, allowing the machine to warm up quickly. The user-friendly control panel includes a pre-heat function for the glow plugs, simplifying cold-weather starts.

The compressor's mobile chassis allowed the client to tow it between different pipeline sections as the purging campaign progressed.

Implementation Steps

On-site survey and technical assessment to define flow rate, pressure, and dew point requirements
Configuration of the KDP-12/7 with the cold-weather package
Equipment delivery to the Rechitsa oilfield and pre-commissioning inspection
Integration with the client's pig launcher/receiver and drying equipment
Full system commissioning and cold-weather start-up validation
Continuous operation monitoring and blow-drying speed adjustment
Operator training on cold-weather protocols, preventive maintenance, and daily inspection

Customer results

### The Challenge of Winter Pipeline Purging

The Rechitsa oilfield is one of Belarus's largest and most established producing fields. However, its location in the Gomel region means it experiences some of the country's harshest winter weather.

For pipeline pre-commissioning, purging and drying must be completed before winter sets in. If residual water remains in the pipe and freezes, the expansion can cause catastrophic damage. But when the window for winter work is tight and temperatures are already plunging, you need equipment you can count on.

The client's previous experience with standard compressors in cold weather had been poor. They'd lost multiple days to failed starts and struggled with pressure instability that made the drying process inconsistent. They needed a compressor that would start when they needed it, run all day without drama, and deliver the stable airflow required for effective pigging and blow-drying.

### Field Performance

Over the 90-day campaign, the KDP-12/7 delivered approximately 99% uptime. The cold-weather package proved its worth: the block heater and heavy-duty battery ensured reliable starts every morning, even when temperatures dropped below -20°C.

The combination valve allowed the system to reach stable operating temperature quickly, and the consistent pressure output eliminated the variability that had plagued the client's previous equipment. The result: the pipeline was purged, dried, and handed over on schedule, without any freeze-related issues.

The on-site project manager summed it up after the campaign: "We were in a race against winter. The Kotech compressor was the only unit on site that we could always count on. It started every time—even at -20°C. We got the pipeline dried out before the real freeze set in."

Products Used in This Case

eee

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can the KDP-12/7 start reliably in sub-zero temperatures?

Yes. When equipped with the cold-weather package—including an engine block heater, high-capacity battery, and low-viscosity synthetic lubricants—the KDP-12/7 is designed to start and operate reliably at temperatures down to -20°C

Why is stable pressure so important for pipeline purging?

Pipeline purging uses compressed air to push cleaning pigs through the line. Inconsistent pressure can cause the pig to stall, resulting in incomplete cleaning. For blow-drying, stable pressure ensures even airflow and complete moisture removal, which is critical to prevent freezing and corrosion.

How does the KDP-12/7 achieve quick warm-up in freezing conditions?

The compressor's combination valve automatically bypasses the cooler when oil is below operating temperature. This recirculates the oil, allowing the airend to reach optimal discharge temperature quickly, ensuring efficient operation even in severe cold.

What types of pipeline work is the KDP-12/7 best suited for?

The KDP-12/7 is ideal for pipeline pigging, purging, blow-drying, and general pneumatic support in oilfield construction and maintenance, especially in remote locations where grid power is unavailable and ambient temperatures are extreme