Launchpad, May - June 2006
For a full list of proposed, active and closed projects see here
Two new GSPs (also known as JIPs in the oil and gas sector) are scheduled for launch on 15 June 2006 following the Oil ∧ Gas Panel Meeting that day. Both of these are state-of-the-art reviews aimed at providing Sponsors with detailed data. Interested companies are welcome to attend the launch meetings.
Thermal spray coatings for corrosion mitigation: state-of-the-art
To be launched: 15 June 2006
Cost per sponsor: £10 000, one payment
Project leader: Andrew Sturgeon
Thermal spray coatings (TSCs) are widely applied in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry for the mitigation of corrosion of structural and process components. In spite of a rapid increase in the successful use of TSCs, a number of concerns have arisen that are restricting wider application by industry. These concerns include QC/QA of sub-contractors, audit schemes, standards and specifications for new project and retrofit, and performance comparisons against other protective coatings and cathodic protection systems. A state-of-the-art review is therefore proposed which will provide detailed data on the specification, application, cost and performance limits of commercial TSCs and near-market developments. This review will also capture industrial perceptions and concerns on the use of TSCs, provide guidance in coating selection and identify technology gaps.
Welding and application of ultra-high strength pipelines: the state-of-the-art
To be launched: 15 June 2006
Cost per sponsor: £10 000, one payment
Project leader: Thomas Sourmail
The use of ultra high strength line pipe materials (X80 and above) for long distance gas transportation promises significant cost savings. However, it is accompanied by novel technical difficulties. Progress in materials manufacturing methods means that the increase in line pipe strength has been achieved without a large increase in carbon equivalent and hence manufacturers are indicating good weldability for grades as high as X120. Nevertheless, welding these high strength steels does present challenges, such as obtaining a weld metal with adequate toughness and overmatching strength, avoiding fabrication hydrogen cracking and evaluating the impact of HAZ softening. An independent state-of-the-art review is proposed to collate relevant information in a rapid manner to allow industry to consider the potential benefits, the experiences and concerns in using ultra-high strength line pipe, and to identify related technology gaps.
