Trenchless Installation Allows Recommissioning a Depleted Gas Field in the UK

_{Reliable Pipelines for Lasting Gas Networks}

In total, 440 meters of SoluForce Heavy Gas Tight pipe were installed to reconnect the field. SoluForce Gas Tight systems are made from plastic composites featuring a fully enveloped aluminum layer, making them completely impermeable to gases and eliminating possible health, safety and environmental risks. When run at operating parameters, maintenance is not required, and the expected service life of the system is at least 20 years.

According to the project requirements, the piping system would have to withstand up to 70 bar gas operating pressure and up to 54° C operating temperature. SoluForce Heavy Gas Tight pipes exceed these, as the gas pipe system’s maximum pressure is 156 bar and the maximum allowable operating temperature is 65° C.

_{Complete Solution for Challenging Installation}

The pipe was custom-produced in orange color with silver stripes to meet the local regulations for high-pressure gas pipes. Preparations such as cutting the pipe to the necessary length were important to ensure there are no interruptions during the HDD process. SoluForce provided an uncoiling trailer for easy uncoiling of the pipe and electrofusion equipment for attaching the fittings.

HDD requires the pipe to be pulled through a borehole in the soil. The high flexibility of SoluForce reinforced pipes combined with their toughness is a perfect fit for such applications. The outer HDPE cover layer provides the required protection from mechanical forces, debris and rock while the pipe is being pulled through.

SoluForce electrofusion end fittings were attached at each end of the pipe. These fittings, just like the pipe itself, are metal-free, making them highly corrosion-resistant. No welding of metal surfaces was required to install the system, saving considerable time because welding permits were not required.  

_{Achieving Optimal Recovery from Depleted Gas Fields}

The UK is determined to reduce or offset carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050. However, the country’s oil and gas industry will play a crucial role in this transition to continue meeting the local energy needs of consumers while developing and implementing low-carbon technologies like carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS), and hydrogen.

Environmental concerns linked to the development of new gas fields, rising gas prices, and tight supply currently on the market highlight the importance of achieving optimal recovery from the country’s existing gas fields — including those previously considered unattractive.

Using flexible composite pipe systems for gas transportation considerably lowers OPEX and TCO compared to alternatives, making the recommissioning and recovery from marginal and depleted fields more attractive.