INTEC has extensive expertise in the design of flowlines related to high pressure, high temperature applications including:

• Pipe-in-Pipe Flowlines
• Bundled Flowlines
• Insulated Flowlines
• Flexible Pipe Flowlines
• Subsea Product Coolers

Pipe-in-Pipe (PIP) and bundled flowline methodologies have been the primary HP/HT flowline design concept.  The PIP and multi-pipe bundle systems mechanically connects one or more product inner pipes to an outer jacket pipe with structural bulkheads.  The bulkheads transfer thermal expansion loads from the inner pipe(s) to the jacket pipe.  While the inner pipe expands, the jacket pipe resists expansion loads.  Spacing and configuration of bulkheads and internal spacers are dependent upon the buckling potential of the inner pipe, and ease of fabrication and installation.

INTEC has also designed and supervised construction of numerous insulated flowlines including applications for hydrate prevention in special alloyed sour gas pipelines. Insulation has also been evaluated for arctic applications to prevent permafrost degradation.  INTEC is very familiar with numerous types of insulation materials, such as syntactic PE, PE foam, rock wool, EPDM and other innovative insulation materials and methods.

Flexible pipe can be utilized to absorb expansion loads/displacements at the ends of the flowline, or they can be utilized for the entire flowline to absorb expansion and relieve axial stress. Flexible pipe flowlines have an order of magnitude higher material cost particularly in short lengths, as a significant percentage of the cost is associated with the manufacturing set-up and end terminations.  However, installation costs are generally much lower when compared to rigid steel flowlines, which can significantly exceed material costs.

Production coolers installed at or near a subsea wellhead may significantly reduce pipeline-operating temperatures, thus reducing limitations on materials and design requirements.  In shallow water, these coolers may be placed on well templates allowing use of standard technology and easy maintenance.  INTEC has extensive experience in the design and installation of these systems.