Furmanite International and Advantica team up to offer on-line pipeline
connections
Posted: 12 January 2004
An agreement has been sealed between Advantica and Furmanite International
to bring Advantica’s patented Grouted Tee connection –
for on-line pipeline intervention without welding – to the
global market.
Under the new agreement, Furmanite is licensed to manufacture,
market and install the Grouted Tee, which is designed to enable
hot tap connections to be made to pipelines, providing a permanent
connection (having a design life up to 40 years) with no welding
required and without disrupting production.
The Grouted Tee comprises two half shells with a branched tee that
are bolted together around the main pipeline. The annular space
between the shell and pipe is filled with grout and an integral
saddle seal provides pressure containment. Connections can be made
to existing pipelines in any location, whether for new pipeline
developments, branches, repairs or to create a bypass. Further,
compatibility issues are avoided as metallurgical independence is
maintained between the main pipeline and the connection.
Smaller, lighter-weight and simpler to install than current mechanical
fittings and requiring only grit blasting (SA2.5 equivalent) to
prepare the surface on the main pipeline, the Grouted Tee can be
used on pipes up to 56 inches in diameter at operating temperatures
from -5°C to +90°C and pressures to ANSI class 600. The
branch off the main line can range from small-diameter to equal
tee for stopple operations.
By eliminating the need for welding, the Grouted Tee provides a
cost-effective alternative to welded tee connections, removing the
need for skilled welders. Moreover, it can accommodate far greater
ovality of the main pipeline than welded solutions, making installation
simpler and quicker. The tee can also be fitted with insertable
pigging bars to accommodate all types of pigging operations.
“The fact that this is an on-line solution that can be applied
while operation continues as normal means that the Grouted Tee fits
perfectly within the Furmanite portfolio of products and services,”
commented Furmanite managing director Tony Nicholls. “Add
to that the fact that it provides a connection that is third-party
verified and approved by all the relevant bodies for the lifetime
of the pipeline, and this becomes a very attractive option for use
on pipelines within industries from oil and gas, petrochem and nuclear
to water and process. This product represents a further benefit
that we can now offer our customers to help them keep their assets
earning.”
Third-party verified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), the Grouted Tee
complies with all necessary design code standards including British
(BS8010), European (prEN 1594), American (ANSI/ASME B31.8) and international
(ISO CD 13623), as well as the Institution of Gas Engineers IGE/TD1
and IGE/TD12.
Commenting on the new agreement, Advantica’s senior commercial
manager, Steve Taylor said, “The synergies between us are
apparent, and make this agreement a highly effective partnership
through which to drive forward the potential for this product and
its benefits to the industry. The strength and value of our product
and technical capabilities coupled with Furmanite’s active
presence serving industry across the world, mean that the benefits
of the Grouted Tee are set to be evermore widely recognised and
enjoyed.”
For more information see www.furmanite.co.uk
or www.advantica.biz
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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