Pipeline rehabilitation and life extending specialist Swagelining has completed the first ever flangeless polymer lining project to be carried out in the Middle East.

The project was undertaken by Swagelining’s regional licensee on behalf of the Kuwaiti Oil Company (KOC).

The initiative saw the Middle East debut of Swagelining’s flangeless WeldLink connector, which was utilised when lining the 1.4 km section of an onshore water injection system using its patented Swagelining technique.

Originally developed for use in subsea pipelines, the WeldLink connector is a cornerstone product in Swagelining’s integrated lining system that enables polymer lined carbon steel pipelines to be fully welded. This allows the pipeline system to operate at high pressures without the risk of leakage from flanges.

This connector system has been in use in high pressure water injection pipelines for over 15 years around the world.

The KOC initiative is part of a trial to test the feasibility of using Swagelining’s unique technology as a future solution to safeguard the thousands of kilometres of flow lines which it operates.

“The internal corrosion of ageing steel flow pipelines is a wide-spread problem throughout the Middle East. The costs and disruption of leaking pipes and their subsequent replacement can be avoided by inserting a close-fit internal lining using polyethylene and the life of the pipeline system can be significantly extended,” said Stephen Barnes, managing director at Swagelining.

“While the industry has recognised the benefits of polymer liners, lined pipelines were traditionally joined together with flanges. Over the life of a pipeline, flanges can present a risk of leakage at higher pressures and this requires intervention, which may involve shutting the pipeline system down to fix a problem. The WeldLink connector effectively removes the potential of flange leakage.”

“With KOC looking for the most reliable ways in which to protect the future condition of its flow lines whilst maximising pipeline life span, the company was keen to examine this well proven, highly efficient option,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service