Background
A multinational energy company was facing a significant issue with its produced water pipelines in the Permian Basin. Epoxy-lined fittings, which were expected to provide long-term protection, had worn out in just five years, leading to corrosion of the carbon steel pipelines. Furthermore, these fittings could only be replaced during scheduled pipeline service shutdowns, which occurred 3-4 times per year, causing operational delays and increased costs.
Solution Implementation
The company reached out to United Pipeline Systems to find a more durable and efficient solution. United Pipeline Systems recommended using its rotational lining (rotolining) technology with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The fittings were pre-lined at United Pipeline Systems’ facility, ensuring they met specifications and the rotational lining process parameters. The pre-lined fittings were then shipped to the field, ready for easy installation during one of the company’s scheduled service shutdowns.
By using rotational lining, United Pipeline Systems was able to provide a seamless, uniform lining that bonded securely to the metallic fittings, offering superior resistance to corrosion and abrasion compared to traditional epoxy coatings. The pre-lining approach also minimized installation time in the field, reducing downtime for the company.
Results:
- Increased Durability: The HDPE rotolined fittings have a significantly extended lifespan compared to epoxy, ensuring long-term protection against corrosion and abrasion.
- Reduced Operational Downtime: Pre-lining the fittings allowed for quick and easy installation during scheduled shutdowns, minimizing interruptions to the Company’s operations.
- Cost Efficiency: By reducing the frequency of necessary replacements and minimizing downtime, the Company saw a reduction in overall maintenance and operational costs.
“United Pipeline Systems provided us with a high-quality, long-lasting solution for our produced water pipeline fittings. Their expertise and ability to deliver pre-lined fittings streamlined our maintenance process and reduced our operational costs significantly.” — Company Representative