Commissioning the Zeepipe system sets new standards

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Pipeline and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:6932326

Falk, C; Maribu, J; Eide, L O ^[1]

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1. Statoil A/S, Stavanger (Norway). Gas Transport Div.

The first phase of the Zeepipe development included a 814-km (506-mile), 40-in. gas pipeline from the Sleipner Field in the Norwegian North Sea to Zeebrugge, Belgium. The pipeline, which is more than twice as long as the next largest single-section offshore pipeline in the world, was constructed and commissioned in 1991--1993. Commissioning concepts developed for Zeepipe included a sophisticated pipeline de-watering method and a novel high-pressure gas drying concept. The successful operations during start-up of the Zeepipe pipeline have set new standards for commissioning long-distance gas pipelines. On the basis of the Zeepipe experience, pigging and commissioning of coated pipeline sections more than 1,000 km (620 miles) long is feasible without expensive intermediate pigging stations. The Zeepipe is internally coated with epoxy to reduce pipe wall roughness and minimize corrosion during storage and construction. The high-pressure drying concept eliminates flaring of drying gas, reducing the environmental impact, and significantly shortens commissioning time. This allows gas deliveries to begin immediately after the dewatering operation is completed. The corrosion inhibition method used resulted in lower chemical consumption than with conventional techniques, reducing costs and environmental problems.

• OSTI ID: 6932326
• Journal Information: Pipeline and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Pipeline and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 221:8; ISSN PLGJAT; ISSN 0032-0188
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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