Compact
sealing technology in 26-platform project for Dubai Petroleum
Posted: 15 April 2004
Thirty two SPO compact flanges are being used on a massive 26-platform
pig launcher and receiver project in the Fateh, Southwest Fateh,
and Falah fields operated by Dubai Petroleum Company, affiliated
with ConocoPhillips.
Dubai Petroleum Company is installing new pig launchers and receivers
on 16 sea water injection pipelines, across 26 platforms. Vector
International’s SPO compact flange has been selected, and
will be used in 12, 14 and 16 inch sizes to connect the launcher
and receiver access doors to the launcher and receiver barrels.
“We opted to use the SPO compact flange because we wanted
to try new technology, and these flanges offer substantial benefits,
being far less cumbersome and heavy than a traditional ANSI flange
would be (and thus more cost-effective), as well as ensuring high
performance joint integrity. We’re told these flanges have
never leaked in service – that’s an impressive record,”
said John Eggerman, staff engineer of the Dubai Petroleum Company.
The SPO compact flanges, manufactured in carbon steel, will be
used at pipeline operating pressures of some 3,000 psig –
well within the capabilities of this highly engineered flange.
“The compact flange’s unique sealing technology –
deploying a wedging action and radial compression to ensure a rigid,
full contact between seal faces – means that it can achieve
leak-free performance at pressures up to 15,000 psi (exceeding ANSI
pressure classes 150 to 2500), while at the same time being some
70-80 per cent smaller and lighter than the equivalent-rated ANSI
flange,” Vector’s Middle East area manager Marc Robinson
explains. “For example, a 16 inch Class 1500 SPO compact flange
will weigh some 406 kg as opposed to an equivalent 16 inch Class
1500 ANSI flange which would weigh some 1,449 kg – making
the compact flange as much as 72 per cnet lighter than the standard
ANSI.”
Such significant space and weight savings represent time and cost
savings, particularly topside where weight is always key in the
on-going challenge to reduce structural costs. By the same token,
weight and space savings are still more critical where elements
are being added to an existing platform. Moreover, the SPO compact
flange has a design life of some 25 years and exceptionally low
maintenance requirements – representing further cost benefits.
“Previously pigging has been carried out by contract pigging
firms,” John Eggerman said. “In helping to keep the
pipelines clean and reduce corrosion by launching pigs, the new
pig launching and receiving systems now being installed on the water
injection pipelines will contribute to maintaining these pipelines
and thus extending the life of the fields. Installation of permanent
launchers and receivers will allow Dubai Petroleum Company to reduce
maintenance costs while increasing the frequency of the pipeline
cleaning.”
Dubai Petroleum Company has operated the four offshore fields since1969.
Fateh is the oldest of the four, discovered in 1966, and has been
continuously developed since its discovery.
Southwest Fateh, discovered in 1970, has its own water injection
and gas lift facilities.
The remaining Falah and Rashid fields were discovered in 1972 and
1973 respectively.
For more information see www.vectorint.com
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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