Thursday, February 18, 2016

Pipeline Material and Grade Selection

Before the installation of a pipeline system, it should be concerned if the pipeline material is compatible with the given environment and operating condition. Is the material alloy available in the size and thickness required? Is it the most economical choice? Will it withstand the working temperature? Pipeline material alloy used for one particular place may not be the same in other place, due to difference of the environment. For instance, material used for in-land pipeline will differ to offshore pipeline. At offshore, the circumstances is more corrosive than in-land.
Material selection shall be optimized, considering investment and operational costs, that are minimized while providing acceptable safety and durability. There are few criteria that should be considered in selecting the right material, such as:
  • The availability of the material required
  • Installation procedure
  • Operating condition (seawater: corrosive)
  • External and internal environment
  • Design life
  • Inspection and maintenance
  • The ability of the material to be treated

There are also reference that can be used in choosing offshore pipeline material, like:
  • API 5L – Specification for Line Pipe
  • API RP 17B – Recommended practice for flexible pipe
  • ASME B31.3 – Chemical plant and petroleum refinery piping
  • ASTM D 2992 – Practice for obtaining hydrostatic or pressure design basis for fiberglass pipe and fittings
  • DnV RP B201 – Metallic materials in drilling, production, and process systems

Here are few example of pipeline API 5L criteria:

API 5L Specification for ERW Steel Pipes
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API 5L Plain End Line Pipe Dimensions, Weights, and Test Pressures
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