A Tough Initiation for PE100 in Kuwait’s Oil Industry

Session 4A
8:30

Peter R. Hayes, Borouge Pte Ltd.

Internal corrosion of steel oil and gas flow lines is a problem for many oil companies in the Middle East, especially for wells where there are high levels of hydrogen sulphide. “Close-fit” internal lining with polyethylene pipes can significantly extend the lifetime of the flow lines but whilst the use of polyethylene pipe for utility piping systems has grown considerably over the past decade in the Middle East, the Oil and Gas Industry has been fairly cautious in accepting this new material. However, this attitude is changing and they recognise the cost savings that can be achieved by using a new PE lined pipe or relining an existing flow line to extend its useful life. In recent years, Kuwaiti oil production has begun to suffer from an increasingly ‘sour’ supply due to presence of hydrogen sulphide. These concerns have lead to this project which will test out the feasibility of PE close-fit linings for their oil flow lines.

KAI, together with Anti-corrosion Protection Systems, a specialty relining contractor based in Dubai, approached the Operations Technical Services Division of the Kuwait Oil Corporation (KOC). A ‘tougher’ PE100 liner was proposed for an existing steel pipe, which was installed a relatively short time ago, but was already showing signs of corrosion. KOC accepted this solution based on technical and commercial considerations. The speed of installation was also an important factor to be taken into account. The project is planned for completion during the second quarter in 2010 and the improved performance criteria for the rehabilitated pipeline are eagerly anticipated.

The PE100 liner was produced from a new Borouge grade. The material, originally developed by Borealis, is designed to offer a significant improvement in resistance to slow crack growth, which may be initiated by scratching and scoring, so prevalent on many demanding site conditions. PE100, with its unique physical and chemical characteristics, was deemed the ideal material by KOC and already has an outstanding track record for many applications in the oil and gas industries.

Whilst this project is relatively small, the future opportunities to supply this type of product to KOC are enormous. Several hundreds of kilometres are likely to require attention during the next few years as the effects of corrosion are being felt on these pipelines. If one then factors in all the other countries and their oil industries throughout the Gulf region, it is conservatively estimated that hundreds of millions of dollars will need to be invested in order to protect their resources.