TPT May 2013

Industry News

Post-weld solution for record-breaking pipeline

induced stress cracking (HISC). Such cracking is caused by the presence of hydrogen in the pipe’s heat affected zone. Although precautions are taken during the fabrication and welding stages to minimise hydrogen content, PWHT is still deemed the best way to achieve safe levels. “A big factor behind Bonatti’s decision is our proven experience in this specialised PWHT area,” added Mr Migliavacca. “Our colleagues at EFD Induction in the UK, Jon Philpott in particular, had previously devised a PWHT solution for another In Salah contractor. It involved the supply of three truck-mounted PWHT units, which have now been operating in the tough Algerian environment for months.” The PWHT units built for Bonatti are currently undergoing final testing. “We hope to get the units into action as soon as possible,” said Mr Migliavacca. “ISG is after all a critical project. Its seven fields not only supply key foreign and local markets with gas, it also involves the world’s first full-scale carbon dioxide capture undertaking at a gas field. It’s an honour to be part of such an exciting and meaningful initiative.”

The Bonatti order involves two complete PWHT systems for on-site operation in the Saharan desert. Each system is truck-mounted, and consists of an EFD Induction ‘Minac’ 70/110 power source, specially designed induction coils for 8"-12" and 16" pipe, and chiller and quench units. The two PWHT systems will be used for butt-to-butt welding of 13% Cr and 13% Cr to duplex steel. “Welding these heterogeneous materials is a technically advanced task,” said Mr Migliavacca. “But when used in conjunction with PWHT, such welding offers tremendous benefits. 13% Cr pipe, for example is extremely cost-effective because its strength means that lighter wall thicknesses can be used. Duplex on the other hand is extremely resistant to corrosion.” Post-weld heat treatment of 13% Cr and Duplex flowlines is necessary in order to minimise the risk of hydrogen

OIL and gas contractor Bonatti has selected an EFD Induction post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) solution to help build the world’s longest 13% Cr onshore pipeline. The corrosion resistant pipeline is part of the In Salah Southern Fields project (ISSF) in theAlgerian Sahara desert. This in turn is phase two of the larger In Salah Gas (ISG) project, which first came on- stream in July 2004. ISG – a joint venture between Statoil, BP and Sonatrach – is Algeria’s third largest gas development, and currently has an annual production capacity of around 9bn cubic metres. “This is a significant project for several reasons,” said Stefano Migliavacca of EFD Induction in Italy. “To be selected by such a prestigious company as Bonatti confirms our ability to satisfy the most stringent criteria. The project also underscores the industry-wide acceptance of our PWHT solution for corrosion resistant alloys.”

An EFD Induction PWHT unit in use on advanced, corrosion-resistant alloy pipe in the Sahara desert

EFD Induction as – Norway Fax: +47 3550 6010 Email: sales@no.efdgroup.net Website: www.efd-induction.com

Bonatti – Italy Fax: +39 0521 607700 Email: info@bonatti.it Website: www.bonatti.it Project for straightening line for pipes

a particularly short wheelbase and with large rolls surface. This new general geometry provides advantages in terms of quality of straightening, particularly on the pipe ends.

straightening line project for pipes up to a maximum diameter of 340mm destined for the American market. Cartacci has a wide knowledge in the construction of straightening machines designed to meet all API standards, from 5D (for drill pipes) to 5CT (for tubing and casing) and 5L (for line pipes). The equipment will be designed with

CARTACCI Srl develops technical solutions for new projects of finishing lines for tubes. The experience obtained during almost 50 years is the basis for the innovation of equipment design to meet demanding market requirements. The company has been commissioned by Borusan Mannesmann Group for the technological development of a new

Cartacci Srl – Italy Fax: +39 035 290514 Website: www.cartacci.com

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M ay 2013