STATS Group pioneers cold-work connectors for titanium pipeline sector

Following an R&D programme, the pipeline intervention specialist designed the Connector to address increased demand in the Norwegian oil and gas sector.

Titanium is better suited to high-stress corrosive environments found in the Norwegian North Sea where it can resist high chloride and corrosive gases better than conventional steels and the Norwegian offshore sector is expected to increase usage of titanium connectors as it expands into deeper fields in more challenging environments.

Its usage is primarily concentrated in subsea risers and flowlines, cooling systems and heat exchangers, process equipment and in pipeline segments where conventional materials would fail prematurely.

With the ongoing field life extensions on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, there is expected to be a significant increase in demand for titanium pipework ranging from 1 - 30 in. This demand primarily applies to seawater, ballast water, and firewater systems, where titanium’s corrosion resistance and long service life offer substantial benefits in harsh offshore environments.

STATS Group’s Joanna Mountford, Business Development Manager, said: “Titanium pipelines offer superior corrosion resistance, but when it comes to repairs or modifications, welding is expensive, time-consuming, and risky. Until now there hasn’t been a suitable cold-work solution but STATS Mechanical Connectors have remedied that problem and deliver fast, permanent, and leak-free connections without the need for welding.

“Unlike existing alternatives that are limited in size range or lack proper testing capabilities, our connectors provide a reliable, permanent connection with an integrated test port – enabling a leak test to be performed once the connector is fully installed – and negating the need for additional joint testers.”

The Connectors cover a size range from 0.75 - 60 in. with various pressure ratings and are available in connector, coupling and end-cap configurations.

Joanna added: “While we have primarily introduced this service for the Norwegian market which is an advanced adopter of titanium for critical pipeline applications, we also anticipate interest from the Gulf of Mexico where it is adopted on a more limited scale.

“We have already received a number of inquiries from leading Norwegian operators and contractors and our ambition is to become the leading provider of cold connections for titanium pipework in Norway.”

STATS Group’s mechanical pipe connectors are highly regarded in the oil and gas sector and are suitable for topside, terminal, FPSO or subsea installation, and compatible with all process streams. In addition to titanium, they are also available to suit a wide range of pipe materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex, super duplex and CuNi.

With the need for hot work eliminated, these robust and permanent connectors provide equivalent or greater design criteria than the host pipework. Mechanical pipe connectors can be installed without specialist installation tools or activation equipment - they slide in place and lock using a simple bolted installation procedure, significantly minimising the cost and duration of maintenance projects.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/offshore-and-subsea/15052025/stats-group-pioneers-cold-work-connectors-for-titanium-pipeline-sector/