Background and prospects of pipelines made of flexible reinforced thermoplastic pipes in oil field gathering systems

UDK: 621.643.25/.29

DOI: 10.24887/0028-2448-2025-10-99-101

Key words: oil field, field gathering system, infield lines, flexible reinforced thermoplastic pipes, design

Authors: V.V. Yatsenko (Giprovostokneft JSC, RF, Samara); A.A. Kimlyk (Giprovostokneft JSC, RF, Samara); R.V. Kovyrshin (Giprovostokneft JSC, RF, Samara); S.A. Silin (Giprovostokneft JSC, RF, Samara); N.S. Erofeeva (Giprovostokneft JSC, RF, Samara); V.Yu. Ivanov (Zarubezhneft JSC, RF, Moscow)

This article reviews the application of flexible reinforced thermoplastic pipes in oil field gathering systems, from the first attempts to use such pipes to the present day. The following article provides results of an economic analysis which compared flexible reinforced thermoplastic pipes and steel pipes on the example of a specific project. It is demonstrated, that the use of flexible reinforced thermoplastic pipes can be feasible under certain conditions. When making a decision, the technical parameters and the cost of pipe should be considered as well as the installation method (underground/above ground/on ground filled with earth), the costs for insulation and heating (if there are any), the installation costs and other factors affecting capital expenditures. Furthermore, operational expenditures may also differ due to different approaches to diagnostics of flexible reinforced thermoplastic pipes and steel pipelines, different frequency and cost of repair works, and other factors related to differences between flexible reinforced thermoplastic pipes and steel pipes, which should also be taken into account for a high-quality economic comparison. Based on past experience, economic analysis, and current industry trends, the prospects for the use of flexible reinforced thermoplastic pipes in oil field gathering systems in the foreseeable future are outlined in the article.

References

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