Characterisation of ultra high strength linepipe

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Characterisation of ultra high strength linepipe

Ohm, R.K. / Martin, J.T. / Orzessek, K.M.

The application of Ultra High Strength Linepipe for the construction of on-shore pipelines is expected to result in substantial life cycle costs savings in the area of long range transportation of sweet and dry natural gas. A Joint Industry Programme was undertaken involving Shell Global Solutions International B.V., BP Amoco and BG Technology to characterise prototype X100 linepipes supplied by four world leading pipe mills. The aspects studied were mechanical properties, weldability, damage and defect tolerance in combination with cost optimisation studies. The total study included an extensive microstructural and mechanical characterisation of the X100 submerged arc welded linepipes, which were manufactured on an industrial scale to be representative for future production. The steel chemistries and the fabrication routes of the individual linepipes reflected the possibilities and capacities of the production facilities of each individual pipe mill. The paper reports the main characteristics of this new grade of ultra high strength linepipe in terms of microstructures, hardness and tensile and toughness properties. It was concluded that in spite of the fact that the tensile and the weld seam toughness properties did not meet the provisional specifications in all of the tested linepipes, the scope for ultra high strength linepipe was firmly established.