The Challenge

A major Indonesia-based oil and gas producer working in Southeast Asia needed to replace a dual 10-inch steel pipeline. The pipeline, which was transporting natural gas, had significant corrosion-related damage caused by high amounts of carbonic acid. 

As part of their replacement strategy, the operator wanted an economical pipeline solution that would be flexible enough to be pulled through a J-tube, withstand the corrosive fluids, and eliminate the costly recurring maintenance programs typically associated with conventional pipelines. 

The Solution

After an extensive evaluation by the Directorate General of Oil and Gas (MIGAS), which is part of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the operator selected FlexSteel 6-inch, 1500 psi line pipe. 

The pipe’s unique design provided an optimal solution to combat the corrosive fluids and eliminate the need for heavy installation equipment, welding, x-rays, and joint coating. 

In addition, FlexSteel’s longer pipe lengths allowed the operator to reduce the amount of connections by 70% compared to their previous steel pipeline. 

The Result

By implementing FlexSteel pipe, the operator realized several key benefits:

• Saved USD 2.6 million in installation costs. 

• Increased operational reliability and maximized project safety and installation efficiencies. 

• Shortened installation time by 53%, allowing the operator to accelerate their time to production