Onshore pipeline high-grade steel for challenge utilization

High pressure pipeline transportation is one of the key technologies to connect remote gas fields and deliver gas at competitive prices to consumption markets. Arctic regions will become more attractive in the near future as large gas resources are located there. Long onshore pipelines systems, characterized by high strength steels (above API 5L X80, i.e. exceeding 555 MPa Yield Strength) operated at high internal gas pressure (more than 10-12 MPa) in many cases appear to be the most convenient transportation option. This paper highlights the latest follow up coming from a long lasting R&D program launched by eni, together with industrial/technical partners, on the exploitation of commercial available options with high grade steels for onshore application even in harsh environments. The results obtained in this R&D program can be useful for applications even for arctic onshore/offshore scenario. Copyright © 2014 by the International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers (ISOPE)