Middle East
Pipe Details
- 1,219-m (48-inch) high-pressure oil export pipeline
- 55 bar (798 psi) pressure
- 40° C (104° F) operating temperature
Summary
- Extensive external corrosion of a petroleum export pipeline covering a 10-m (33-foot) length and involving a girth weld
- Trained and certified CSNRI technicians carried out repairs, installing Clock Spring repair sleeves to restore structural integrity.
- This type of repair can be performed in an exacting high-temperature environment of 120° C (248° F)
- The repair was executed in a process that took three 8-hr shifts
In carrying out an inspection of its petroleum pipeline network, a company discovered damage along a 10-m (33-foot) section of a 1,219-mm (48-inch) high-pressure export line. The line, which was operating under 55 bar (798 psi) of pressure, exhibited extensive corrosion over a length of pipe that included a girth weld. The weld, which connected two pipes joined along their circumference, required a repair that would ensure reliable joint strength was achieved, which made the repair particularly critical.
A team of CSNRI trained and certified technicians grit blasted the pipe to an SA 2.5 surface preparation, cleaning the damaged area to remove rust, coating, and mill scale to produce a near-white surface prior to the application of the Clock Spring repair sleeves. The team installed the Clock Spring repairs using a spool feeder to place the units on the pipeline because there was only 152 mm (6 inches) of clearance underneath the pipe.
![Clock Spring Pipeline Repair Clock Spring Pipeline Repair](https://www.cs-nri.com/wp-content/uploads/Clock-Spring-Pipeline-Repar-1024x763-1-1024x763.png)
![Clock Spring Pipeline Repair Installation Process Clock Spring Pipeline Repair Installation Process](https://www.cs-nri.com/wp-content/uploads/Clock-Spring-Pipline-Repair-2-1024x760-1-1024x760.png)
![Completed repair Completed repair](https://www.cs-nri.com/wp-content/uploads/Clock-Spring-Pipline-Repair-3-1024x762-1-1024x762.png)
The repair was completed over the span of three 8-hour work shifts. The team was able to restore the integrity of the line so it could continue to function safely.