A mechanical alternative to welding for pipeline construction

Conference · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996

OSTI ID:287828

Roche, J R ^[1]

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1. Hydril Co., Houston, TX (United States). Tubular Div.

The objective of this paper is to present the conditions under which it can be cost effective to use a threaded connection rather than welding to install an offshore pipeline. Further, the specific features of the Hydril Series 2000 Connector that facilitate this application are detailed. Plans to use J-Lay for Gulf of Mexico deepwater pipeline laying prompted the American Gas Association to sponsor 1993 testing of threaded connections to evaluate their suitability. With the pipe being joined in the vertical position, the employment of multiple welding stations is typically not practical. One design that emerged from this effort is finding usefulness, not just for J-Lay, but for risers and shallow water S-Lay as well. The Series 2000 Connector appeals to the pipeline owner based on 3 ways to significantly reduce costs (compared to welding): much faster joint cycle time (primarily J-Lay); when using non-weldable pipe (Corrosion Resistant Alloys, High Strength Steel); and when working in a remote location where a drilling rig or work boat can do the job, saving lay barge mobilization costs.

• OSTI ID: 287828
• Report Number(s): CONF-960154--; ISBN 0-9648731-8-4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONSTRUCTION
COST
DESIGN
NATURAL GAS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PIPELINES
REMOTE AREAS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
THREADED JOINTS
TRANSPORT
WELDED JOINTS