TPi May 2015

OCTG & pipel ine products

OCTG, line pipe and PVF Flow Control Technologies is a supplier and distributor of OCTG, steel line pipe, HDPE pipe and PVF to the energy industry worldwide.

foundries, castings, extrusions, forgings and machining shops to manufacture complex and critical components. It offers reliable sources to meet certifications established by ASTM, ASME, API, DIN, ECN, ISO and other international industry standards. Flow Control Technologies, LLC – USA sales@flowcontroltechnologies.com www.flowcontroltechnologies.com

(refining, gasprocessing, petrochemicals and cogeneration); and mining, power generation and metal industries. The company describes itself as a one- stop source for hard-to-find inventory items and short lead-time production. Flow Control Technologies has constructed a network of quality vendors such as OEMs, leading producers, recognised mills, master stockists,

The company has global operations working towards the whole oil and gas value chain: upstream (exploration and production, offshore and onshore); midstream (pipelines, compression stations, pumping stations, storage and distribution terminals); downstream

Optimising multiple sections of pipe in oil and gas projects

is minimised and the project HiLo is easily achieved. Any problem pipes that will not fit at a specified HiLo are also indicated and are re-sequenced

Oil and gas pipe measurement specialist Optical Metrology Services (OMS) has released a new version of its SmartFit™ pipe fit-up optimisation software. In addition to the sequencing of single pipe ends, the new software is now capable of sequencing multiple pre- welded sections of pipe, while providing improved visualisation of pipe fit-up and new, automated reporting features. Winner of a Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2014, the SmartFit service is a system for managing pipe preparation and fit- up in readiness for welding prior to pipelaying. Used predominantly in the oil and gas industry, SmartFit ensures accurate fit-up of pipes prior to welding and laying in trenches, preventing environmentally damaging leaks. In parallel, OMS has developed bespoke laser measuring equipment and methodologies with supporting software, for optimising pipe fit-up. The service allows faster pipelaying, and improves quality by eliminating mismatched pipe ends. Each pipe end is measured, identified and entered into the SmartFit software, which then analyses the fit-up of pipes, allowing the operator to mark the best rotational position on each pipe end. In the bead stall, these marks are aligned to immediately achieve the best rotational position so that misalignment

Screenshot of the new SmartFit software

ends to be part-welded into multiple sections onshore, which in turn means less time is spent welding individual pipe ends on board the pipelaying vessel. This can significantly reduce vessel hiring costs and project risk.” The software provides 2D/3D visualisation of pipe ends, which not only reduces operator error but also aids the end customer or pipe contractor’s own understanding of the benefits of using pipe fit up optimisation software in order to reduce weld cut-outs and delays to the pipe welding and laying processes. Results and automated statistical reports can be generated and exported directly into different formats, including Word, Excel, .CSV file, and image/ graphical reports, as well as more detailed technical reports that include every pipe joint/HiLo value in a pipeline. Optical Metrology Services Ltd – UK info@omsmeasure.com www.omsmeasure.com

or removed completely so that fit-up problems do not occur in the bead stall. This avoids production delays due to mismatched pipes. The latest version of the SmartFit software was developed by OMS in response to the changing needs of the oil and gas industry. Rather than welding single pipe ends, some of the latest pipelaying vessels are now designed and equipped to carry and/or weld multiple sections of pipe – in doubles, triples or quads. Typically, these vessels carry pipe ends that have either been pre-welded onshore into multiple sections, or the vessels have facilities to weld the pipe ends on-board into multiple sections prior to the pipeline reeling and laying processes. David Briscoe, senior software engineer at OMS, commented, “The SmartFit software is now able to simulate, sequence and optimise batches of double, triple or quad pipe ends to suit individual customer requirements. For the pipe contractor, this enables pipe

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May 2015 Tube Products International