No welding required for novel pipeline connection

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 28, 2004

An agreement has been sealed between Advantica and Furmanite International to bring Advantica's patented Grouted Tee connection to the global market.

An agreement has been sealed between Advantica and Furmanite International to bring Advantica's patented Grouted Tee connection - for online pipeline intervention without welding - to the global market.

Under the new agreement, Furmanite is licensed to manufacture, market and install the Grouted Tee, which is designed to enable hot tap connections to be made to pipelines, providing a permanent connection (having a design life up to 40 years) with no welding required and without disrupting production.

The Grouted Tee comprises two half shells with a branched tee that are bolted together around the main pipeline.

The annular space between the shell and pipe is filled with grout and an integral saddle seal provides pressure containment.

Connections can be made to existing pipelines in any location, whether for new pipeline developments, branches, repairs or to create a bypass.

Further, compatibility issues are avoided as metallurgical independence is maintained between the main pipeline and the connection.

Smaller, lighter-weight and simpler to install than current mechanical fittings and requiring only grit blasting (SA2.5 equivalent) to prepare the surface on the main pipeline, the Grouted Tee can be used on pipes up to 56in in diameter at operating temperatures from -5 to +90C and pressures to ANSI class 600.

The branch off the main line can range from small diameter to equal tee for stopple operations.

By eliminating the need for welding, the Grouted Tee provides a cost-effective alternative to welded tee connections, removing the need for skilled welders.

Moreover, it can accommodate far greater ovality of the main pipeline than welded solutions, making installation simpler and quicker.

The tee can also be fitted with insertable pigging bars to accommodate all types of pigging operations.

"The fact that this is an online solution that can be applied while operation continues as normal means that the Grouted Tee fits perfectly within the Furmanite portfolio of products and services", commented Furmanite Managing Director Tony Nicholls.

"Add to that the fact that it provides a connection that is third-party verified and approved by all the relevant bodies for the lifetime of the pipeline, and this becomes a very attractive option for use on pipelines within industries from oil and gas, petrochem and nuclear to water and process.

This product represents a further benefit that we can now offer our customers to help them keep their assets earning".

Third-party verified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), the Grouted Tee complies with all necessary design code standards including British (BS8010), European (prEN1594), American (ANSI/ASME B31.8) and international (ISO CD13623), as well as the Institution of Gas Engineers IGE/TD1 and IGE/TD12.

Commenting on the new agreement, Advantica's Senior Commercial Manager, Steve Taylor said: "The synergies between us are apparent, and make this agreement a highly effective partnership through which to drive forward the potential for this product and its benefits to the industry.

The strength and value of our product and technical capabilities coupled with Furmanite's active presence serving industry across the world, mean that the benefits of the Grouted Tee are set to be evermore widely recognised and enjoyed".