Corrosion & Scaling-Free Flexible Oil Pipelines & High-Pressure Gas Pipe

Oil and gas flowlines often need to cover long distances, often over very difficult landscapes. Because SoluForce pipes are flexible, they can be utilized in extremely difficult terrain and harsh climates, including the jungles of central Sumatra in Indonesia, and the harsh deserts of northern Iraq-Kurdistan. Even in these hostile environments, engineers were able to lay 880m of pipework per day.

When moving crude oil, natural gas or other petroleum products through a pipeline network, high pressure is required to keep the liquids and gasses moving down the pipelines. Depending on the viscosity of the substance being pumped, pipelines often operate at constant pressures of over 1,500 to 2,000 psi (approx 100-140 bar). In some cases even higher pressures are used

Oil is measured in units called barrels, which are just under 160 liters. A pipeline’s flow rate is therefore measured in ‘barrels per day’ or even ‘barrels per hour’, with oil traveling at speeds of around 5-13 kph (depending on the piping sizing). In the United States for example, the Gulf Coast oil field currently sends an average of1.5 million barrels of oil ashore per year. 

The oil and gas industries are beginning to clean up their products as we move towards a zero-carbon future, and despite the advances we’ve already made in renewables, hydrocarbon fuels and their pipeline transports will be around for a long while yet.

In the case of natural gas, steps are already being taken to blend hydrogen into the supply, with some studies estimating that this could reduce CO2 output from homes and businesses by up to 6 million tonnes per year — the equivalent of taking 2.5 million cars off of the road.

Most oil and natural gas pipelines are made of steel, and as the networks of pipes age, they are prone to corrosion and scaling. It can be difficult to detect pitting and embrittlement in steel pipes, and without regular inspection and maintenance, there is a very real risk of failure and spillages.

SoluForce pipes are completely non-metallic and flexible (Flexible Composite Pipe), so they never corrode or scale and can be installed in rugged or difficult terrain without the worry that they will crack in the event of earthquakes or other extreme conditions.

Aside from external environmental factors, (pressure and temperature) both natural gas and crude oil contain lots of impurities that can corrode steel pipes over time, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2) and free water, which acts as a catalyst. Corrosion inhibitors, protective coatings and cathodes can all be used to prevent pipe failure, but avoiding steel entirely using flexible composite pipes is the only way to guarantee a corrosion-free pipeline (without using inhibitors, coatings or cathodic protection).

SoluForce systems have been in use since 2000 across a wide range of applications and in some of the world's harshest environments. Our products are extremely durable and high-quality, meeting or exceeding recognized international standards — perfect for moving highly corrosive liquids and gas under high pressure. 

SoluForce pipe systems are easy to install compared to heavy steel pipes. A small crew can install long pipework lengths quickly and efficiently (up to 2 KM a day), even when working in harsh terrain or with limited space.

Our team of Technical Service Engineers can help with any installation support, even providing equipment such as our electrofusion machine. In addition, we offer training programs to local contractors and engineers through our SoluForce academy.

SoluForce has a range of fitting systems to meet the needs of every application. When transporting corrosive chemicals, non-metallic fittings are used, with joints welded together using Electrofusion.

SoluForce pipe systems can be put to use in a wide range of on- and offshore applications, including oil and gas flow lines, multi-phase pipelines, high-pressure water injection pipelines, gas condensate, oil and gas gathering lines, domestic gas distribution, (jet) fuel transportation, LPG translortation and more. In addition, our flexible pipes can be uncoupled, re-spooled and used again, maximizing value and versatility.

There are may advantages to high pressure SoluForce Flexible Composite Pipes compared to steel alternatives, the most important are:

• 100% Corrosion-free
• Fast installation - more than 2 KM a day
• No scaling or corrosion - a smooth bore for a lower flow resistance and improved flow capacity
• Reusable - simply disconnect and load onto our coiling trailer
• Requires zero maintenance-free
• Design life of up to 50 years underground, and a 20 year surface lifespan
• 400-metre lengths per coil - quick delivery and installation of large quantities 
• Extremely robust - highly resistant to shock from earthquakes and disruption from landslides or erosion

There are may advantages of the SoluForce system compared to alternatives, the most important are:

• Track record - spanning more than 20 years, with more than 3.500KM installed around the world
• Gas Tight - the only fully Gas Tight high pressure Flexible Composite Pipe available on the market
• Fully bonded - bonded pipe structure providing strenght and reliability
• Fully certified - developed and produced in The Netherlands and fully certified according to multiple industry (and local) standards
• Local presence - worldwide local presence 
• SoluForce Academy - train your international staff and deliver local-context training
• Easy installation - easy installation process with 100% traceability and reliable fitting system
• Easy logistics - up to 400 meters per coil and up to 3600 meters on one flat rack