Design and testing of new electrical insulating joints for oilfield pipelines

This paper discusses advantages and disadvantages of electrical insulating joints which have been most extensively used for oilfield pipeline construction. New insulating joints developed in TATNEFT present high mechanical strengths and leak-proof properties and guarantee reliable electric insulation at operating pressures of up to 21 MPa. The results of their testing at TATNEFT facilities are discussed. The paper offers a technological solution to reduce accelerated interior corrosion of a joint at pipeline section with less negative electrode potential of outer surface.