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Cortez line uses unusual construction methods

Journal Article · · Oil Gas J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6319957

Unusual methods marked construction of the Cortez Pipeline to transport Colorado CO2 to the Permian basin for enhanced oil recovery. Unusual aspects of construction included limited use of new optional weld inspection criteria under a new section of API Standard 1104; 120-ft double joints, and a compound bevel that saved welding time, money, and material. The 500-mile, 30-in. pipeline was constructed between July 1982 and Sept. 1983. Cortez, the world's largest, longest CO2 pipeline, stretches from Cortez, Colo., to Denver City, Texas, across elevations as high as 8,300 ft above sea level as well as flatlands of SE. New Mexico and W. Texas. Initial capacity of 650 MMscfd of CO2 can be expanded to 1 billion scfd. CO2 from wells in McElmo Dome field near Cortez is expected to boost recovery by 280 million bbl from the Denver Unit in Wasson field, Yoakum County, Texas, and extend field life 20 to 25 yr.

OSTI ID:
6319957
Journal Information:
Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 82:6; ISSN OIGJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English