Solutions from a pipe manufacturer to worldwide project Challenges

SUMMARY: Pipeline systems are the safest and most effective means for gas transport for medium distance and continuous gas supply. The fact that gas sources are explored in many regions with harsh conditions, the fact that the gas composition of sources are aggressive to the steels and the fact that considerable quantities have to be delivered within a justifiable period of time needs to be faced by a pipe manufacturer and initiates tailored development activities. The following report gives an overview about EUROPIPE's development activities to cope with the challenges from the operational necessities. Exemplified by recent and future pipeline projects the paper presents developments covering strain based design material, sour gas resistant material, deep sea designed pipes, crack arrest properties and arctic conditions, as well as optimising manufacturing to high productivity with a high quality level. Finally an outlook to the topics to be solved at the interface material and design is presented.