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May 2015 Tube Products International

49

OCTG & pipel ine products

Optimising multiple

sections of pipe in

oil and gas projects

Oil and gas pipe measurement specialist

Optical Metrology Services (OMS) has

released a new version of its SmartFit™

pipe fit-up optimisation software. In

addition to the sequencing of single

pipe ends, the new software is now

capable of sequencing multiple pre-

welded sections of pipe, while providing

improved visualisation of pipe fit-up and

new, automated reporting features.

Winner of a Queen’s Award for Innovation

in 2014, the SmartFit service is a system

for managing pipe preparation and fit-

up in readiness for welding prior to

pipelaying. Used predominantly in the

oil and gas industry, SmartFit ensures

accurate fit-up of pipes prior to welding

and laying in trenches, preventing

environmentally damaging leaks.

In parallel, OMS has developed

bespoke laser measuring equipment

and methodologies with supporting

software, for optimising pipe fit-up.

The service allows faster pipelaying,

and improves quality by eliminating

mismatched pipe ends.

Each pipe end is measured, identified

and entered into the SmartFit software,

which then analyses the fit-up of pipes,

allowing the operator to mark the best

rotational position on each pipe end.

In the bead stall, these marks are

aligned to immediately achieve the best

rotational position so that misalignment

is minimised and

the project HiLo is

easily achieved.

Any problem pipes

that will not fit at a

specified HiLo are

also indicated and

are re-sequenced

or removed completely so that fit-up

problems do not occur in the bead stall.

This avoids production delays due to

mismatched pipes.

The latest version of the SmartFit

software was developed by OMS in

response to the changing needs of the

oil and gas industry. Rather than welding

single pipe ends, some of the latest

pipelaying vessels are now designed

and equipped to carry and/or weld

multiple sections of pipe – in doubles,

triples or quads. Typically, these vessels

carry pipe ends that have either been

pre-welded onshore into multiple

sections, or the vessels have facilities

to weld the pipe ends on-board into

multiple sections prior to the pipeline

reeling and laying processes.

David Briscoe, senior software engineer

at OMS, commented, “The SmartFit

software is now able to simulate,

sequence and optimise batches of

double, triple or quad pipe ends to suit

individual customer requirements. For

the pipe contractor, this enables pipe

ends to be part-welded into multiple

sections onshore, which in turn means

less time is spent welding individual

pipe ends on board the pipelaying

vessel. This can significantly reduce

vessel hiring costs and project risk.”

The software provides 2D/3D

visualisation of pipe ends, which not

only reduces operator error but also aids

the end customer or pipe contractor’s

own understanding of the benefits of

using pipe fit up optimisation software

in order to reduce weld cut-outs and

delays to the pipe welding and laying

processes.

Results and automated statistical

reports can be generated and exported

directly into different formats, including

Word, Excel, .CSV file, and image/

graphical reports, as well as more

detailed technical reports that include

every pipe joint/HiLo value in a pipeline.

Optical Metrology Services Ltd

– UK

info@omsmeasure.com www.omsmeasure.com

OCTG, line pipe and PVF

Flow Control Technologies is a supplier

and distributor of OCTG, steel line pipe,

HDPE pipe and PVF to the energy

industry worldwide.

The company has global operations

working towards the whole oil and gas

value chain: upstream (exploration and

production, offshore and onshore);

midstream (pipelines, compression

stations, pumping stations, storage

and distribution terminals); downstream

(refining, gasprocessing, petrochemicals

and cogeneration); and mining, power

generation and metal industries.

The company describes itself as a one-

stop source for hard-to-find inventory

items and short lead-time production.

Flow Control Technologies has

constructed a network of quality vendors

such as OEMs, leading producers,

recognised mills, master stockists,

foundries, castings, extrusions, forgings

and machining shops to manufacture

complex and critical components.

It offers reliable sources to meet

certifications established by ASTM,

ASME, API, DIN, ECN, ISO and other

international industry standards.

Flow Control Technologies, LLC

USA

sales@flowcontroltechnologies.com www.flowcontroltechnologies.com

Screenshot of the new SmartFit software