Swagelining has been working with oil companies, resin producers, global subsea engineering, procurement and construction contractors, universities and niche manufacturers to develop an integrated polymer lining system to expand service applications.

Its integrated liner system can be installed onshore or subsea by reel-lay, j-lay, CMDT, HDD or s-lay.

Swagelining technical operations manager Allan Feeney said plastic was being used as a cost and time-effective method for internal corrosion protection in carbon steel pipelines and risers.

“Our developments in polymer lining technology have potential to transform the subsea and onshore pipeline industry, thanks to major cost advantages, reductions in fabrication complexity and increased reliability of corrosion protection in long-term service,” said Feeney. Feeney will discuss these developments at the Element Oilfield Engineering with Polymers conference this week in the UK.

“Carbon steel with a polymer liner can now be considered in a range of applications where previously only CRAs would be specified. It changes the limits for the present cost/benefit comparison between the two material options.”

As part of its research and development program, Swagelining has also created a novel weldable pipeline connector, the LinerBridge, which can be used to connect lengths of polymer lined carbon steel pipelines and addresses the constraints presented by clad CRA connectors.

“We are stretching the reach of polymer lining technology and pushing the boundaries with an intensive pre-qualification testing programme and are about to mobilise a joint industry project,” Feeney said.

“This is aimed at proving how polymer linings can prevent corrosion in carbon steel pipes transporting multiphase products at high temperatures.

“Our integrated lining system and LinerBridge, together, are a huge step forward for the pipeline industry and we are working with major operators and pipeline contractors who have realised its potential.

“The level of long-term performance coupled with its cost advantages are proving the worth of the technology within the oil and gas industry.”

Feeney spent more than 15 years as a research and development manager specialising in polymer product design for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries before transferring this expertise to the subsea pipeline industry.