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Weldasearch® - sample results

Offshore pipelines

Copyright TWI (The Welding Institute) 2010

241713
Challenging material and fabrication solutions for deepwater hydrocarbon development.
PRICE J C; LAWS P A; SUBRAMANIAN V

In: Proceedings, ISOPE-2008, 18th International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 6-11 July 2008. Publ: Cupertino, CA 95015-0189, USA; ISOPE (International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers); 2008. Vol.4. ISOPE The Sixth (2008) ISOPE High-Performance Materials Symposium - ISOPE HPM-2008. Materials and Structures. pp.182-188. 2 tab., 8 ref.
[in English]
[CD ROM; I08TPC-134Pric.pdf]

A review is presented of subsea developments which demand high performance materials and coatings with characteristics such as adequate strength, flow assurance, resistance to the initiation of brittle fracture and fatigue, excellent weldability and protection against corrosion. Issues discussed include: materials selection for rigid subsea pipelines; mechanical properties of corrosion resistant alloys; high strength X80 to X120 linepipes; fracture mechanics properties; flexible pipelines and risers; and material requirements for subsea production equipment. Case histories of pipeline failures in the North Sea related to hydrogen embrittlement or hydrogen induced stress cracking in stainless steel weldments are summarised. Plastic liner technology for water injection lines is outlined.

241710
Evaluation of material response subjected to high plastic deformation when forged into Saipem submarine repairing system.
MANNUCCI G; MALATESTA G; BRANDI R; SPINELLI C M
In: Proceedings, ISOPE-2008, 18th International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 6-11 July 2008. Publ: Cupertino, CA 95015-0189, USA; ISOPE (International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers); 2008. Vol.4. ISOPE The Second (2008) Strain-Based Design Symposium. Testing and Service Environment. pp.136-142. 14 fig., 1 tab., 8 ref.
[in English]
[CD ROM; I08TPC-635Mann.pdf]

With regard to the Saipem pipeline repair system for deep water applications, in which a forging process is used to plastically deform the linepipe material at very high strain level, a dedicated testing programme coupled with finite element model calculations were employed to assess material response during the plastic straining process and under post straining plus ageing conditions. The specimen comprised a longitudinal submerged arc welded UOE (U-ing, O-ing and expanding) L450MC steel pipe (similar to API 5L X65 grade; outer diameter 813 mm, wall thickness 30.2 mm). Mechanical properties were studied by bend testing, speckle system tensile testing and measurement of critical strain at failure. Stress triaxiality was examined by finite element analysis. The load bearing capability of material after forging was assessed by indentation, tensile and toughness tests.

241702
Advanced tensile behaviour evaluation of girth welds.
FONZO A; MANNUCCI G; Di VITO L F; RICHARD G
In: Proceedings, ISOPE-2008, 18th International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 6-11 July 2008. Publ: Cupertino, CA 95015-0189, USA; ISOPE (International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers); 2008. Vol.4. ISOPE The Second (2008) Strain-Based Design Symposium. Tensile and Compressive Strain Capacity. pp.57-63. 15 fig., 1 tab., 10 ref.
[in English]
[CD ROM; I08TPC-688Fonz.pdf]

In relation to the development of techniques to characterise the tensile behaviour of girth welds in API X65 offshore pipelines, experimental testing and finite element analysis (FEA) were employed to investigate the true stress-strain curve of weld metal and HAZ until complete rupture, i.e. well beyond the plastic instability onset, in a direction transverse to the weld. The methodology incorporated laboratory tensile testing aimed at evaluating the load-elongation curve, measured by a clip gauge centred over a round notch in the specimen, and iterative FEA to simulate the curve on a 3D model by using brick elements. Axial plastic strain and transverse tensile curves were determined and compared with results from an optical speckle digital image correlation technique.

241696
Automatic pipeline welding system equipped with six welding carriages, laser vision sensor and arc sensor for offshore pipeline laying.
MOON H S; KO S H; KIM J J; KIM J C
In: Proceedings, ISOPE-2008, 18th International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 6-11 July 2008. Publ: Cupertino, CA 95015-0189, USA; ISOPE (International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers); 2008. Vol.2. Offshore and Arctic Pipelines, Risers and Mooring. Pipelines: Mechanics and Systems. pp.218-223. 15 fig., 1 tab., 3 ref.
[in English]
[CD ROM; I08TPC-182Moon.pdf][See also Weldasearch 229840]

An automatic welding system for offshore pipeline laying was developed, comprising six welding carriages each equipped with a laser vision sensor, arc sensor and two welding guns to maximise productivity, as well as an automatic seam tracking algorithm for narrow welding groove and a wireless remote pendant. The welding process employed was standard or pulsed MIG/MAG. The laser vision sensor was used to locate the welding gun into the centre of the welding groove and the arc sensor for seam tracking. The system incorporated a self-diagnostic function to facilitate maintenance and repair, and a network through which welding task data could be transmitted and the welding process monitored.

241693
A discussion of the effect of the reeled installation process on pipeline limit states.
MANOUCHEHRI S; HOWARD B; DENNIEL S
In: Proceedings, ISOPE-2008, 18th International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 6-11 July 2008. Publ: Cupertino, CA 95015-0189, USA; ISOPE (International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers); 2008. Vol.2. Offshore and Arctic Pipelines, Risers and Mooring. Deepwater Installation. pp.53-59. 11 fig., 23 ref.
[in English]
[CD ROM; I08TPC-618Mano.pdf]

A systematic investigation is presented into the influence of the reeling process for offshore installation of rigid pipelines on operational integrity by assessing the effects on each limit state that could result in pipeline failure (i.e. pressure containment, hydrostatic collapse and fracture) and on global and local buckling behaviour. Fundamental aspects of limit state design, strain hardening and work hardening are reviewed, and industry codes relating to material properties, minimum reliable wall thickness, ovalisation, hydrostatic collapse resistance and weld integrity are summarised. In particular, the stipulations of DNV-OS-F101 regarding welds suitable for reeling are mentioned. The effects of reeling on pipeline limit states are discussed in relation to burst capacity, hydrostatic collapse capacity, buckling response and fatigue, taking residual stress, Bauschinger effect and sour service response issues into account.

241221
Repairing an underwater pipeline.
ASCHEMEIER U W; PETERS K S
Welding Journal, vol.89, no.1. Jan.2010. Supplement: The American Welder. pp.87-90. 11 fig.
[in English]

A description is presented of test coupons, practice runs, subsea pipe cutting, welding and final testing involved in the repair of a subsea pipeline flange. The old flange was removed and the new flange (ASTM A 105) was welded onto the API 5L steel pipe using underwater shielded metal arc welding (MMA) process with Hydroweld FS electrodes. Preparation for the procedure, cutting the pipe, tacking of the flange to the pipe, slag removal and welding (from the 12 o'clock to the 6 o'clock position) are briefly reported.

241079
A deep discovery.
CONNELLY M; FREEMAN R; CIZEK M
World Pipelines, vol.9, no.8. Aug.2009. pp.47-48, 50, 52-53. 4 fig., 1 tab.
[in English]
(Based on paper OTC 19883 presented at Offshore Technology Conference, 4-7 May 2008.)

The fabrication of X65 steel plate into 310 km of 457 mm (18 inch) UOE (U-ing, O-ing and expanding) double submerged arc welded (DSAW) pipe by Corus Tubes, as part of the Perdido Norte pipeline construction for use at a depth of over 2500 m, are described. The schematics for the pipe manufacturing process include the steps from plate stock to tab plate welding, edge milling and crimping, inside SAW, tack weld inspection, continuous tack welding, O press and U press, outside SAW, inspections, testing, mechanical expanders, end facing and bevelling, bead removal and further testing. Shoulder flats and deviations from the optimum pipe shape are emphasised. Factors affecting criteria for weld toughness and weld acceptance are outlined, including fatigue loading from seabed currents and pressure due to water depth. The transportation of the pipe sections and installation by S-laying are outlined.

241053
Gas flows and pressure maintained during North Sea pipeline hot tap.
CASSIE A; HARRISON J
Offshore, vol.69, no.8. Aug.2009. pp.94, 96-97. 3 fig.
[in English]

Unique aspects of a subsea hot tap managed by Acergy are described. Steps in hot tapping as a method of trepanning without content release or flow interruption are outlined including the fitting of the permanent valve onto the pipeline, and the installation of the hot tapping machine. Integrity requirements including welding and non-destructive examination (NDE) of the branch connection are listed. The preparation procedures for the custom hot tapping equipment and a system integration test (SIT) simulation of the full hot tapping operation are described. The offshore hot tap procedure is outlined including the trepanning, cutting, piping valve assembly operations.

240719
High performance corrosion resistant stainless steels and nickel alloys for oil and gas applications.
ABERLE D; AGARWAL D C
In: Corrosion 2008. Proceedings, 63rd Annual Conference and Exposition, New Orleans, LA, 16-20 Mar.2008. Chairmen: H.Amaya and J.G.Maldonado. Publ: Houston, TX 77084-4906, USA; NACE International; 2008. Session 1: Advances in Materials for Oil and Gas Production. Paper 08085. 17pp. 9 fig., 2 tab., 25 ref.
[in English]
[CD ROM; P1110.pdf]

A brief review is presented of the oil and gas industry applications, performance benefits and corrosion resistance properties under various conditions of several high-alloyed stainless steels and nickel alloys. The materials covered are Alloy 926 and Alloy 31 stainless steels as well as Alloy 59, Alloy 825, Alloy 925, Alloy 625, Alloy 718, and Alloy K500 nickel alloys. Corrosion resistance is described with respect to chloride-induced localised corrosion (e.g. seawater), pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion and stress corrosion cracking and is discussed in relation to the PRE (pitting resistance equivalent) number. Industry applications mentioned include pipelines in seawater and sour gas environments, wirelines and umbilicals. The use of surfacing and cladding techniques, such as roll binding cladding, is outlined.

241434
Offshore pipe resistant to abrasion and corrosion (Des tubes pour l'offshore resistant a l'abrasion ...).
SOUDAGE ET TECHNIQUES CONNEXES
Soudage et Techniques Connexes, vol.63, no.7-8. July-Aug.2009. pp.12-13. 3 fig.
[in French]

The acquisition by Sub Sea Services of Stavanger, Norway of an automated hot wire TIG system for the internal surfacing of carbon steel pipe is reported. Pipe for subsea oil and gas transportation was internally surfaced with Inconel 625 to reduce corrosion and and the effects of sand abrasion. Commercial and quality considerations in setting up the facility are discussed.

240605
Down to the wire.
MacGILLIVRAY M
World Pipelines, vol.9, no.7. July 2009. pp.58-59, 60, 61. 2 fig.
[in English]

Considerations for the use of X80 over X70 steel pipe in both onshore and offshore pipelines are reported with emphasis on selection of filler materials. The advantages of X80 steel pipe, including strength, ability to withstand extreme temperature, greater carrying capacity, higher pressures, reduced transportation costs and lower welding costs, are discussed. The challenges of X80 steel pipe usage are listed, including susceptibility to hydrogen-induced cracking when welded, need for very skilled welders, and requirements to address in selection of filler metals are presented. Solutions to the welding challenges with use of flux-cored wires (with J and G classification) are discussed, with specific examples where gas shielded FCA welding, self-shielded FCA welding and welding with metal cored wires (e.g. RMD welding process) were employed.

241400
Design of pipelines subject to lateral buckling to resist corrosion fatigue.
PARGETER R J; BAXTER D P
Paper presented at Corrosion 2009, Atlanta, GA, USA, 22-26 Mar.2009. Paper 09090. 6pp. 2 fig., 11 ref.
[in English]
(Copy of original document available from TWI Ltd)

An overview is given of design considerations for subsea steel pipelines subject to lateral buckling caused by temperature variation in pumped fluids. High strain, low cycle fatigue at girth welds, combined with weld root corrosion fatigue, must be accounted for. Considerations dominant in establishing design data, value of endurance testing and fatigue crack growth rate testing, data for fracture mechanics based assessments, correct incorporation of environmental effects and degree of conservatism in lifetime assessments are discussed. Discussions include selection of fatigue frequencies, effects of weld root inhomogeneity, characterisation of thermal cycles including shut-down, and allowance for both buried and surface-breaking cracks subject to sour service corrosion.

238903
Mathematical model for pipe and weld strength in underwater pipelines design. Part 2: Specific forces inside the pipe material: underwater pipelines cases.
IORDACHESCU M; CONSTANTIN E; IORDACHESCU D; CONSTANTIN V; GEORGESCU V
Analele Universitatii Dunarea de Jos din Galati, Section 12, Welding Equipment and Technology, vol.10. 1999-2000. 2 ref.
[in English]
[Part 1: ibid., vol.8-9. 1997-1998. pp.37-41; Weldasearch 203612]

A mathematical model was developed correlating pipeline weld strength with production conditions for underwater pipe. Emphasis was on conditions experienced in design and construction of gas and oil pipelines in Romania. Consideration was given to pipeline weight, external hydrostatic pressure, internal pressure, bending forces acting on pipe during installation, and the dynamic pressure from flowing water. The model is suitable for application for different values of pipe diameter and length and depth.

238814
Installation [of pipelines].
BRAESTRUP M W; ANDERSEN J B; ANDERSEN L W; BRYNDUM M B; CHRISTENSEN C J; NIELSEN N J R
In Book: Design and Installation of Marine Pipelines. Publ: New Jersey, NJ 07007-2900, USA; Blackwell Science Ltd., and ASME [American Society for Mechanical Engineers] Press; 2005. Chapter 8. pp.210-258. 25 fig., 1 tab.
[in English]

Pipeline installation is described. The preparatory work required to prepare the seabed, protect existing pipes or cables, and install supports (seabed intervention) is described. Pipe assembly, in which pipe joint sections are assembled by circumferential welding into pipe strings, onshore or offshore using a laybarge or pipelay vessel, is discussed, where the following methods for fabrication of girth welds are mentioned: friction welding, explosion welding, EB welding, laser welding, submerged arc welding, MMA welding and MIG/MAG welding. Factors that affect selection of the welding process are presented and discussed. Relevant standards, the inspection and testing of welds, and acceptance criteria are described. Engineering critical assessment (ECA) for pipelines is described. Methods of applying protection to the circumferential welds by field joint coating, including tape wrap, heat shrink sleeves, concrete and insulation, are described. Pipelaying techniques are briefly described, covering S-lay, J-lay, reeling, piggy-back installation, and handling of in-line components. Suspension, abandonment and recovery operations are outlined. Techniques for installation by towing and pulling are described as is horizontal directional drilling. Installation of risers, shore approach and tie-in methods (including hyperbaric welding) are described. Finally, trenching and backfilling, and pre-commissioning activities are described.

238812
Design and installation of marine pipelines.
BRAESTRUP M W; ANDERSEN J B; ANDERSEN L W; BRYNDUM M B; CHRISTENSEN C J; NIELSEN N J R
Book. Publ: New Jersey, NJ 07007-2900, USA; Blackwell Science Ltd., and ASME [American Society for Mechanical Engineers] Press; 2005. 11 Chapters. 386pp. Numerous fig., tab., ref.
[in English]
[For abstracts of individual chapters, see Weldasearch 238813 and 238814]

Guidance is presented on all aspects of subsea pipeline design, installation and operation for deep water and shallow water operation, as a supplement to codes and standards, with emphasis on conditions in the North Sea area (using DNV-OS F101). Topics addressed include: flow calculations; site investigation; route selection; properties of pipeline materials (includes steels types and their strength, toughness, weldability and suitability for sour service); pressure loading; hydrodynamic forces; accidental loads; risk assessment and management (includes welded connections and corrosion); design methods (includes discussion of limit states, safety classes, determination of wall thickness, hydrodynamic stability, free span evaluation, expansion, global buckling, corrosion prevention, insulation, cathodic protection, and bends, valves and other fittings); linepipe production and other aspects of fabrication; installation of pipelines; control and documentation; operation; maintenance; in-service inspection (including pigging); repair; and decommissioning. Flexible pipes are treated in detail, covering structure, design, material qualification, fabrication, installation and qualification.

239674
Arctic pipeline design considerations.
DeGEER D; NESSIM M
In: Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering (OMAE 2008). Proceedings, 27th International Conference, Estoril, Portugal, 15-20 June 2008. Publ: New York, NY 10016-5990, USA; American Society of Mechanical Engineers; 2008. Pipeline and Riser Technology. Paper OMAE2008-57802. 8pp. 8 fig., 23 ref.
[in English]
[CD ROM]

The key challenges encountered in the design of both onshore and offshore pipelines for the transportation of hydrocarbons (oil and gas) in the harsh environment of the North American Arctic are overviewed. The design options available are considered. The use of reliability-based and strain-based design approaches are discussed for integrating essential information from various analytical and experimental sources into an overall framework. This framework seeks to address the key design challenges and lead to optimised design decisions. The advantages of considering pipeline maintenance activities at the design stage are identified. The tendency of Arctic pipeline design and operational practices to evolve towards a reliability-based design approach is also covered.

239668
Fatigue testing and analysis of a deep water steel tube umbillical.
DOBSON A; FOGG D
In: Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering (OMAE 2008). Proceedings, 27th International Conference, Estoril, Portugal, 15-20 June 2008. Publ: New York, NY 10016-5990, USA; American Society of Mechanical Engineers; 2008. Pipeline and Riser Technology. Paper OMAE2008-57151. 8pp. 21 fig., 1 tab., 6 ref.
[in English]
[CD ROM]

A local stress and strain mathematical prediction model was used to assess the time history of stress within steel tube components contained within a deep water steel tube umbilical structure subjected to alternating tension and curvature. The model was validated through full-scale fatigue testing of the umbilical structure. The validation focused upon the complexity of the mathematical model; and on the influence of the tension magnitude, the stick-slip mechanism and the stress variation around the circumference of the tubes when under the influence of bending loads. A typical range of UNS S32750 steel tube dimensions used in the umbilical structure were: inner diameter of 12.7-31.8 mm, wall thickness of 1.4-2.65 mm and operating pressure of 5000-7500 psi.

240163
Reel simulation [for offshore pipelaying].
McCANN S; RODGERS K
World Pipelines, vol.9, no.4. Apr.2009. pp.64-66, 68, 70-71. 7 fig.
[in English]

The performance of high frequency induction (HFI) welded linepipe during installation by the reel-lay method was evaluated. The investigation involved pipe manufacture and girth welding, pre-bend material characterisation, bending simulation, post-bend material characterisation and engineering critical assessment (ECA) of the HFI seam weld. Three grades of linepipe (in X52, X60 and X65 steel), were tested with the longitudinal weld positioned at the extrados and intrados. Charpy impact data for strained X65 material is presented.

238809
Welding [of subsea pipelines].
PALMER A C; KING R A
In Book: Subsea Pipeline Engineering. 2nd Edition. Publ: Oklahoma 74112-6600, USA; PennWell Corp.; 2008. Chapter 5. pp.121-168. 12 fig., 4 tab., 23 ref.
[in English]

Welding of pipelines for underwater use is described. Techniques used in the welding of plate to make pipe and in joining of pipe lengths are described: MMA, submerged arc, MAG and TIG welding. Factors in process selection are considered including pipe dimensions, installation method (reeling, S-lay, J-lay) and lay speed. Preparation is described, including cleaning, bevel preparation, joint alignment and preheating. Guidance on the welding sequence is given (root run, hot pass, filler runs, cap or cover pass). Weld and HAZ strength is discussed in relation to composition and thermomechanical history. Causes and avoidance of weld imperfections are listed for porosity, cold cracking, hot cracking, slag inclusions, and other defects. Weldability of pipeline steels (C-Mn steels, duplex stainless steels, clad and lined pipe) is summarised. Weld inspection by radiography, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, dye penetrant inspection and eddy current testing is described. Types and sources of corrosion associated with welded joints are described. Other welding methods considered include friction welding, flash butt welding, homopolar welding, MIAB welding, explosive welding, laser welding and EB welding. Underwater welding is described, including wet welding, hyperbaric welding in a dry habitat, atmospheric welding at depth (1-atmosphere welding), and explosive welding. Procedures for welding of in-service pipelines for hot tapping and repair are mentioned.

238807
Subsea pipeline engineering.
PALMER A C; KING R A
Book. 2nd Edition. Publ: Oklahoma 74112-6600, USA; PennWell Corp.; 2008. 18 Chapters. 646pp. 101 fig., numerous tab., ref.
[in English]

Undersea pipelines to carry oil, natural gas, carbon dioxide and water are described. Topics include pipeline hydraulics, strength (resistance to internal and external pressure) and stability. Selection of materials is covered, including carbon manganese steels and flexible and composite pipelines. Corrosion is discussed extensively, touching on selection of corrosion resistant alloys, welding of internally clad pipe (lined pipe), sources of internal corrosion (sweet and sour service, flow, microbiological corrosion) and external corrosion, prevention of corrosion (use of coatings, cathodic protection) and corrosion monitoring. Subsea marine pipeline construction is covered in detail, from route selection, design (including shore approaches, buckling and spans), welding and inspection, plus analysis of risks. Both repair and decommissioning of pipelines are covered also. Future developments are outlined and the background to codes and standards in this area is presented.

238991
Automatic welding system characterised by high speed torch oscillation and hydraulic internal clamp for offshore pipelines.
HOSODA H; IKUNO Y; HAKODA T; KIMURA F
In: Innovations in Welding and Joining for a New Era in Manufacturing. Proceedings, 8th International Welding Symposium, Kyoto, 16-18 Nov.2008. Chairman: Dr.K.Nishimoto. Publ: Tokyo 101-0025, Japan; Japan Welding Society; 2008. Special Session BI (SB1): Pipeline Technology Now and Then. Chairmen: D.Kwon and F.Kimura. Paper SB1-6. p.92. 1 fig., 2 ref.
[in English]
[DVD]

A field welding system was developed, consisting of an automatic MAG welding machine and a heavy-duty internal line-up clamp, to facilitate high-speed, high-quality welding of offshore pipelines. The welding machine incorporated two independent guns as well as a through-the-arc sensor and a high-speed gun oscillating system to improve seam tracking accuracy. Root runs in butt joint preparations were performed at gun oscillation frequencies of 3-30 Hz. The hydraulic internal line-up clamp was employed to minimise pipe misalignment. The production of circumferential welds at welding speeds up to 4 m/min is reported.

237328
On board Balder.
VOORS E
World Pipelines, vol.9, no.2. Feb.2009. pp.46-48, 50-51. 5 fig.
[in English]

The subsea flowlines and steel catenary risers (SCR) installation challenges of Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC) at 2980 m depth are documented for the Shell Perdido Development in the US Gulf. The deepwater construction vessel (DCV) Balder, equipped with a J-lay system to allow for short circuit arc welding of the root pass without copper backing material, is cited. The pipelay cycle is described through the two J-lay work stations, a welding and coating/auxiliary station. This set-up eliminated the internal line up clamp (ILUC) as shorter weld line up times were achieved. Particular attention is given to the pipeline end termination (PLET) installation.

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