TPi January 2015

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January 2015 Tube Products International 39
products & developments
Polymer technology presents opportunities
for pipeline industry
Over the last four years Swagelining, a
designer and installer of polymer linings
for pipeline and riser systems, has been
working with a number of oil companies,
resin producers, global subsea EPC
contractors, universities and niche
manufacturers to develop and qualify
an integrated polymer lining system
that is expected to expand the service
application window for polymer lining.
One of Swagelining’s technical experts
discussed these developments at
the Element Oilfield Engineering with
Polymers conference. Allan Feeney,
technical operations manager,
discussed how plastic is being used
as a cost- and time-effective method of
delivering internal corrosion protection
in carbon steel pipelines and risers.
Mr Feeney said, “Our developments in
polymer lining technology have potential
to transform the subsea and onshore
pipeline industry, thanks to major cost
advantages, significant reductions in
fabrication complexity and increased
reliability of corrosion protection in
long term service. Carbon steel with a
polymer liner can now be considered in
a range of applications where previously
only CRAs would be specified. It
changes the limits for the present cost/
benefit comparison between the two
material options.”
As part of its research and development
programme, Swagelining has also
created the LinerBridge® weldable
pipeline connector, which can be used
to connect lengths of polymer-lined
carbon steel pipelines, and addresses
the constraints presented by clad CRA
connectors. Mr Feeney’s talk highlighted
the extensive testing programme that
the LinerBridge has undergone and
the product’s scope to change the
landscape of the pipeline industry.
Mr Feeney continued, “We are
stretching the reach of polymer lining
technology and pushing the boundaries
with an intensive pre-qualification
testing programme and are about
to mobilise a joint industry project.
This is aimed at proving how polymer
linings can prevent corrosion in carbon
steel pipes transporting multiphase
products at high temperatures.
Our integrated lining system and
LinerBridge together are a huge step
forward for the pipeline industry and
we are working with major operators
and pipeline contractors who have
realised its potential.”
The Integrated Liner System can be
installed onshore, or subsea by reel-lay,
J-lay, CMDT, HDD or S-lay.
Swagelining Ltd – UK