MTC Powder Solutions highlights use of HIP in subsea manifold systems
June 17, 2020
MTC Powder Solutions, Surahammar, Sweden, a leading producer of near-net shape products produced by Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), has highlighted the use of its technology in the manufacture of subsea manifolds.
Manifold systems are key components utilised to collect oil/gas from several wells in an oil and gas field, the company explains. The manifold is a critical part, and failure must be avoided at all costs as this would lead to a well shutdown, which can then result in millions of dollars lost.
Traditionally, manifold systems consist of a variety of standardised shaped piping components used to create various flow paths and interfaces. The piping components are joined together with a large number of welds, which is a time-consuming process, requiring various pre-weld qualification programmes and high-integrity inspections after completion.
According to MTC Powder Solutions, today’s challenging market conditions have increased the focus on reducing the total project cost, together with a focus on reducing the time from investment decision up to production launch.
By using HIP for manifold systems, the company explains that the number of components and welds can be drastically reduced thanks to the freedom in design the technology offers. Manifold sections can be produced with integrated flanges, tees, bends and pig bars, without a single weld being undertaken.
Using a HIP designed manifold, where the overall length of the piping is reduced, can also result in a smaller and lighter subsea template which would also reduce the footprint on the ocean floor. This, the company suggests, could also reduce installation costs, potentially allowing more templates to be fitted via the same installation vessel, reducing the amount of mobilisation required and ultimately reducing total project costs even further.
