National Grid Gas Transmission
Cor Bos, box.GT.innovation@nationalgrid.com
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Alternative pipe materials (composites, multilayer & reinforced thermoplastic) are accepted and widely used in oilfield operations
within low to high pressure flow line/gathering line systems for hydrocarbons (e.g. below 20 bar for water, fire water, oil and auxiliary
pipe work) and have been in service for many years. Plastics are also now the pipe of choice for low pressure distribution lines;
however, while composites and plastics have been used for flow lines, gathering lines and distribution lines, they have yet to be
accepted in high pressure hydrocarbon systems. In terms of issues of alternative material, some perceived issues for high pressure
natural gas applications currently include performance limitations, susceptibility to third party damage and jointing techniques
between existing steel pipelines and alternative materials.
Alternative construction process and technologies screening and technology survey will review available products and processes
currently on market, considering technologies such as trenchless technology and rigid reeled pipelines.
The operational performance requirements and screening of options will consist of an outline of current operational requirements for
existing pipeline materials and construction processes for use as a baseline/benchmark for initial comparison and a review of current
industry standards/specifications for pipelines and pipework not made from carbon steel transporting natural gas and other
hydrocarbons. Following this there will be a high level screening of all material, technologies and processes against operational
performance requirements with recommendations for which materials, technologies and processes should be taken forward to Phase
2.
It is therefore intended that this scope of work is the initial background research into alternative innovative materials and
constructional processes. If the findings from these initial phases indicate a potential for use in the transmission system, further
scopes of work will be required.