Pipetech celebrates global growth and technical success

Pipetech International, a leading player in the provision of advanced and environmentally friendly water-based cleaning technologies to the oil and gas and petrochemical industries, is celebrating the delivery of its first pipe cleaning project since its recent acquisition by Ramco Tubular Services.

The project was completed offshore Denmark for a major Danish operator. Using Pipetech’s unique Aqua Milling system, the company was able to fully clean a 20 in. sea dump line blocked 80 - 90% by hard scale.

The Aqua Milling system is a highly effective mechanical method for removing scale and debris from pipes using nothing more than high-pressure/high speed water. The water was delivered through one of a range of specially developed nozzles deployed on the company’s Aqua Drill International flexible hose system.

After gaining entry through a difficult to access under-deck vent, more than 33 m of the 20 in. line, including several 90° bends, was cleaned. The work was performed over three days and involved approximately 12 hours of cleaning time.

Tomas Bernhardsson, the Pipetech Supervisor for the project, said: “This was a relatively straightforward job for us which left our new client completely happy with the outcome. We are hopeful that the demonstration of our capability on this job will lead to more work where we can further demonstrate our ability to clean round multiple 90° bends over extended distances.”

Pipetech adheres to strict HSE requirements when carrying out all projects. The Aqua Milling system scale collector was bolted to the entry point on the 20 in. line providing an enclosed, safe operation, preventing any spill or leakage into the environment. All scale was removed, collected and disposed of in a safe, clean and dry operation. The work was also performed without incident, maintaining Pipetech’s zero LTI record.

Mr Bernhardsson added: “A pre-mobilisation site survey addressed the key questions regarding entry point and methodology for handling the scale once it was removed. The site survey and close co-ordination with our client ensured that the overall offshore execution time was minimised, delivering a safe, effective solution.”

Aberdeen-based Ramco Tubular Services strengthened its position as the oil and gas sector’s leading provider of tubular services by acquiring a controlling interest in Norwegian-based Pipetech International AS in March. The acquisition significantly enhances Ramco’s offering to clients and establishes a permanent presence in the UK for Pipetech.

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/25042014/pipetech_celebrates_global_growth_and_technical_success/