Rigid Pipelines

Rigid pipelines

Rigid pipelines

Advancing subsea architecture in the production and installation of rigid pipelines

 

ETH-PiP

Reeled PiP

Reeled pipelines

Rigid pipelines are a fundamental component of subsea architecture, forming the subsea highway that transport oilfield fluids between the wellhead to the processing facility. TechnipFMC procures, fabricates and installs rigid pipelines in all areas of the world in water depths from tens to thousands of meters offshore. 

Rigid pipelines are made from carbon steel, corrosion resistant alloys or hybrid construction with a carbon steel parent pipe and internal corrosion resistant cladding or lining. The pipelines are coated for external corrosion protection and insulation. Demanding insulation needs are met using a double wall pipe-in-pipe construction with high performance insulation concealed in the annulus, which may also include active heating cables. 

Rigid pipelines range from small diameter 4-inch pipes for oilfield service fluids, to 18-inch infield lines, to larger diameter export trunk lines connecting offshore processing facilities to onshore receiving facilities. 

We are experts in the design, assembly and installation of subsea rigid pipeline systems. We offer several rigid pipe products to meet the needs of operators who face a range of challenges from solving flow assurance issues to transporting highly corrosive fluids.

Worldwide delivery of rigid pipelines

Offering a variety of subsea pipe

TechnipFMC procures, fabricates and installs a variety of rigid pipeline systems including:

  • Single pipelines
  • Plastic lined pipelines
  • Corrosion resistant alloy pipelines
  • Direct electrically heated pipelines
  • Pipe-in-Pipe
  • Electrically trace heated pipe-in-pipe
  • Piggybacked pipelines
  • Steel catenary risers (SCR)
  • Free-standing hybrid risers
Reeled Pipe Body

Advanced fleet of pipelay vessels

TechnipFMC clients benefit from one of the most advanced fleets of pipelay vessels in the industry. We specialize in the installation of rigid pipelines including mid and end structures. These can be installed via reel-lay, S-lay or J-lay methods from our vessels listed below.

Reel-lay vessels S-lay vessels J-lay vessels
 Deep Energy G1200 Deep Blue
Deep Blue G1201  
Apache II    

Our reel-lay vessels operate out of four strategically placed spoolbases in the USA, UK, Norway and Angola.

Pipe-in-pipe

TechnipFMC is the recognized subsea industry expert in the design, assembly and pipelay of reeled pipe‑in-pipe (PiP) systems. Our expertise helps operators address flow assurance challenges, especially in fields requiring very high thermal insulation performance. We have achieved a significant worldwide track record in this specialized rigid pipe product, with more than 1,100 kilometers of installed pipe-in-pipe.

Electrically Trace Heated pipe-in-pipe

We also specialize in Electrically Trace Heated pipe-in-pipe which is the next generation of reeled pipe-in-pipe. The system combines the high passive insulation performance of a standard pipe-in-pipe configuration and the high heating efficiency of trace heating technology.

Plastic lined pipelines

TechnipFMC has built a worldwide track record of developing and installing reel-lay plastic lined pipelines for seabed static flowlines, including lateral buckling sections. A plastic lined pipe provides a cost-effective alternative to conventional corrosion mitigation methods. Among its benefits, the pipe liner has a smooth internal surface, minimizing fluid friction losses. Also, the wall temperature of the carbon steel pipe is reduced, decreasing the axial compressive forces and lateral buckling.