FlexSteel Replaces Corroded Pipeline in Under 30 Minutes
The Challenge
An Operator in south Texas was utilizing an 8-inch steel trunk line for three-phase production from adjacent wells. After some time of service, small leaks were found in the system. It was then determined that the 8-inch steel line had been rapidly corroded by MIC, or Microbiologically Induced Corrosion.
Replacing the corroded line with steel line pipe would have been expensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, the use of a pull-in-place HDPE liner was not viable as this solution relies on the integrity of the steel host pipe.
The Solution
After evaluating all alternatives, the Operator chose to install 4-inch 750 psi, high temperature FlexSteel pipe product. While the existing steel was unable to withstand required operating pressures, it could serve as a carrier pipe for pipe-in-pipe rehabilitation using spoolable, steel-reinforced pipe. FlexSteel offered a long-term, corrosion resistant solution with minimal ground disturbance and quick turnaround time.
The Operator utilized FlexSteel’s Deliver-to-Length service, which resulted in minimal wasted material while eliminating the need for deployment trailers onsite.
The Result
With support from FlexSteel’s Field Services, the Operator was able to install 1,600 feet of the 4-inch FlexSteel pipe in under 30 minutes. Immediately following installation of termination fittings, a Reusable Annulus Test Head (RATH) kit was used to conduct a ShieldSure® Annulus test on the newly installed pipe. The RATH kit utilizes a proprietary reusable fitting designed for conducting annulus field tests, preventing the customer from having to purchase sacrificial test fittings – saving time, material, and construction costs.
A successful ShieldSure test confirmed the integrity of the pipe’s HDPE shield, ensuring that there was no damage during installation. The line was then hydrotested and commissioned by the Operator in eight hours.