State-of-the-art production processes for convoluted, corrosion-resistant, high-pressure oilfield pipework

Currently, there are two widely used methods for manufacturing corrosion-resistant, high-pressure pipework for oilfield applications: fabrication of the pipework from several, separate overlaid components joined by welding, or by combining fabrication and induction bending. The former is expensive and time consuming. The latter is less expensive but there are restrictions on the bend radii that can be achieved. This paper considers a range of possible alternatives in the production of complex, corrosion-resistant, high-pressure piping systems for oilfield equipment. Some of the options (hot-rolled and seam-welded pipe, explosion-bonded and seam-welded pipe, and bi-metallic extrusions) result in an end product that is broadly comparable with that produced by fabrication. Others (epoxy coating, shape memory polymer, preformed plastic liner, cured-in-place plastic liner, and liquid coating) do not provide a metallic coating but are used in similar applications in different industries. Finally, there are technologies (such as plating, hot isostatic pressing, ceramic lining, and vapour deposition) that are proven processes but have no current application that may be considered directly relevant to high-pressure piping systems. One new concept under development by the authors is introduced - the use of a thin-walled liner manufactured from a corrosion resistant alloy, and expanded into a prebent carbon steel pipe. © IMechE 2005.