How can you select the best pipeline material for Oil and Gas applications?

I believe it would be beneficial to select the optimal pipeline material for oil and gas applications based on factors such as corrosion resistance, corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, cost, and compatibility with transported fluids. Rigorously test materials, assess environmental conditions, and follow industry standards to make well-informed decisions.

Selecting downhole pipe material for carbon capture & storage (CCS) projects demands prioritizing corrosion resistance, compatibility with well fluids, and meeting pressure and temperature specs. Reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP) stands out for its corrosion resistance, lightness, and flexibility. Ongoing R&D in RTP connections is crucial, focusing on load-bearing, pressure containment, and the impact of temperature and corrosive elements. Innovations in RTP running and connection technologies are pivotal for enhancing reliability and durability in downhole applications, reflecting efficient and sustainable solutions in the oil and gas sector.

Key considerations encompass fluid characteristics, pressure, temperature, and corrosion resistance. The chosen material must exhibit appropriate mechanical properties, weldable, and adhere to regulatory standards. Additionally, evaluating cost, availability, and environmental conditions is vital to ensure sustained performance, safety, and alignment with industry requirements.

The most common options are: 1. CS plus external coating and external CP (if partially or full underground) plus internal chemical treatment (Corrosion Inhibitor, Biocide, etc.). 2. CS plus external coating and external CP plus internal HDPE liner 3. CS plus external coating and external CP plus internal CRA clad 4. Solid CRA metal, starting from Austenitic SS, Duplex SS, Super Duplex SS, or higher 5. Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP) normally for produced or utilities water and shall be buried underground 6. Solid Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) with same utilization and same application requirement like RTP. Typed of coatings are vary depending on temp., direct exposure to sunlight, under or aboveground, immersion or dry.

It should be based on international standards, i.e. ASME, ASTM, BP, ISO, etc. and industrial standards, i.e. SES, PTS, etc. One gives you a minimum and maximum requirements and another one gives you based on the standard use based on the industrial company's experience. Both standards will give you a set of requirements which will give you a set of decision making, which determine the cost of the materials and types of materials which are suitable to be used.

Criteria to consider are: 1. Process requirements (P, T, chemical composition) 2. Environmental surrounding (soil, water, sea, aboveground, underground, ROW, etc.) 3. Design life time 4. Total life cycle cost (CAPEX, OPEX, LPO) 5. Local regulation The combination of above factors will drive the decision for pipeline material selection.

Ultimately everything comes down to economics. Obviously the pipeline material needs to have adequate strength and corrosion resistance but within this range we have many choices. Adopting a stronger (e.g. low alloy) material allows for a thinner pipe wall and therefore potential reduction in material and transportation costs but comes at the price of higher manufacturing cost and more difficult fabrication. With corrosion there is always the choice between a resistant but more expensive material and using corrosion inhibitor. Operating life and accessibility are therefore important factors. Finally many corrosion resistant alloys are susceptible to damage that is difficult to detect making in service inspection a problem.

In the dynamic landscape of Oil and Gas pipelines, technological advancements in monitoring and sensing equipment play a crucial role. Integrating smart technologies such as sensors, real-time data analytics, and predictive maintenance algorithms can enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of pipelines. This proactive approach allows for early detection of potential issues, optimizing maintenance schedules, and minimizing downtime. The intersection of traditional engineering considerations with cutting-edge digital solutions represents a forward-looking perspective that not only addresses current challenges but also positions pipelines for a more resilient and sustainable future in the energy industry.

Following factors need to be considered while selecting pipeline - Flow rate of the fluid: Maximum and minimum flow rate contribute to different conditions such as in case of maximum flow-rate erosion corrosion takes place and in minimum stagnation of fluid can take place inside the pipeline. Better to consider the flow rate and choose the pipeline accordingly. -Operating temperature and pressure: Higher pressure usually leads to increase the solubility of gas in liquid and as a result corrosion takes place, also higher temperature speed up this process. -Maintenance cost and design life of the material -Water content: Water is the only factor for corrosion i.e no water, no corrosion therefore it is mandatory to know the amount of water.

When selecting the best material for pipes applied in the Drilling or Production of oil wells, it is important to take into account mainly our Design and the specific conditions of each field, some of those factors that will help select the best material are: Yield of Material, Collapse Pressure, Burst Pressure, tension, wear, corrosion, buckling, ballooning and pipe inspections & testing play an important role when selecting them. And fundamentally take into account the depth and/or horizontal distance of the desired application.

O&G industry relies heavily on pipelines especially when it comes to gas transportation and hence optimising the pipeline costs becomes a pivotal part of the overall project cost. In the recent years researchers have come up with new findings and certain techniques which can used in pipeline optimisation and those are: whale optimisation, differential evolution, genetic algorithm, particle swarm etc.

In the quest for optimal pipeline materials, embracing a holistic approach that integrates sustainability considerations is becoming increasingly pivotal. As the industry acknowledges the importance of environmental impact, selecting materials with a lower carbon footprint, recyclability, and reduced resource depletion gains significance. Incorporating eco-friendly practices not only aligns with global environmental goals but also positions your project as a responsible player in the energy sector. Balancing performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental stewardship represents a forward-looking strategy that aligns with the broader shift towards sustainable practices in the Oil and Gas industry.

Details are important: as an example in the Kashagan field in the Caspian Sea all the facility materials including the pipeline were specified to be sour resistant. Unfortunately the welds of the export pipeline were overlooked and these were not sour resistant. This caused the pipeline to start leaking within a couple of weeks after 1st oil. This resulted innige field to be shut-in and replacement of the export pipeline. This took over a year to complete. The key take away: details do matter in technology!

After selecting the optimal pipe you should also consider preservation and weld quality as otherwise the integrity will be affected

Projected Operating Life. Accessibility. How difficult is it to install and maintain chemical injection and or carry out repairs. Environmental impact. Sensitive areas may require greater integrity than already degraded areas. Locally available fabrication skills. Do you have to import specialists and equipment to build your pipeline? Material supply lead times. Nice Alloy, if you can get it :) Inspectability. CRAs often have difficult to detect degradation modes. e.g. pinhole pitting. Adjacent metallic structures. Potential for stray current and galvanic effects.