RE P LASTIC PIP

SSU ES
P RE YS
TE
GH M
HI

S
FLEX
IBLE THINKING
 Transportable

SOLUFORCE® BENEFITS

Soluforce® RTP (Reinforced Plastic Pipe) has been

manufactured and used extensively since the year 2000.
It is estimated that over a thousand kilometers worldwide
is currently in operation.

The concept of a completely non corrosive pipe system

for high pressure hydrocarbon applications came about
through the demand from oil companies who proactively
participated in the development and qualification of RTP.
In 1998 a JIP (Joint Industrial Project) which brought
together manufacturers, users (such as Saudi Aramco,
Petrobras, Shell, BP) and testing institutes was created.
Out of the JIP was developed an API standard (API RP 15S)
for RTP in 2006.

Soluforce® RTP is a complete non metallic piping system.

It is qualified for Water, Hydrocarbons and Gas applications.

Manufactured by Pipelife in Enkhuizen, The Netherlands,

Soluforce® RTP is supplied on disposable wooden reels SILOAM
SPRINGS

which may be easily transported by either road or ship.

Soluforce® RTP comes with a complete fitting system

for its pipes. It provides welding equipment and certified
welders for installation wherever the customer requires.

Soluforce® is a business unit within the Pipelife

International group of companies and benefits from
belonging to one of the world’s largest plastic pipe
manufacturers.

Robust

2
 Pipelife International G.m.b.H.
is a global player in the manufacture
of plastic pipe systems with offices
and production facilities in over
25 countries.

SUMMARY

Benefits Pages 4 - 7
Water Pages 8-11
Hydrocarbons Pages 12-15
Gas Pages 16-19
Fittings Pages 20-23
HAPARANDA

II
Connection System Pages 24-31
UTAJÄRVI

KAAVI
Welding (Page 31)
SURNADAL
Offshore Pages 32-35
STATHELL

LJUNG TALLINN

ÖLSREMMA

ENKHUIZEN
GDANSK ZHUKOV

BAD ZWISHENAHN
CORK
RADOM
KALMTHOUT
OTROKOVICE
GAILLON
VIENNA
DEBRECEN
CHÂTEAUROUX
MIERCUREA CIUC
KARLOVAC

ZARAGOZA
ISTAMBUL

THIVA

Deployment

3
 SOLUFORCE® BENEFITS

Solves corrosion problems Very fast Installation

Maintenance Free Design life up to 50 years

Soluforce® RTP deployed (floating)

during an offshore installation.

4
 SOLUFORCE® BENEFITS

No Scaling - No erosion Re-Usable

400 meters length per coil Very robust

Soluforce® RTP installed

in the desert

5
 SOLUFORCE®
standards, testing AND qualificationS
Standards

Soluforce® complies with the following standards:

Oilfield service:

API RP 15S “Qualification of Spoolable Reinforced Plastic Linepipe”

(Soluforce® Light, and Soluforce® Classic pipe system)

API 17J “ Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe”

(Soluforce® Heavy, pipe body)

Gas distribution and transport:

ISO TS 18226 “Reinforced Thermoplastic Piping Systems for Gaseous Fuels”

(Soluforce® Light and Soluforce® Classic, gas transport & distribution)

DVGW VP 642 “Faserverstärkte PE-Rohre (RTP) und zugehörige Verbinder für

Gasleitungen mit Betreibsdrücken über 16 Bar”
(German Standard for gas distribution and transport,
Soluforce® Light and Soluforce® Classic)

Soluforce® has a proven track record in the oil and gas industry, and has been used
since 2000 for different applications, including oil and gas linepipe, water injection
pipe, water transportation, and gas distribution and transport.

Soluforce® maintains the highest quality levels with regard to the design, manufacturing
and testing of their products, according to, or exceeding the requirements in
international standards.

Qualification and Certification

The design, testing and qualification of Soluforce® is verified according to the applicable
standards by ISO accredited independent institutes. For oilfield applications: “Det Norske
Veritas” (DNV). For gas distribution and transport: RWTÜV.

QA/QC System

Soluforce® is developed, manufactured and marketed

under ISO9001 QA/QC system, approved by KIWA.

6
 SOLUFORCE®
DESIGN AND Reliability

The reliability of Soluforce® is guaranteed by extensive laboratory testing and long term
field experience.

To assess the long-term strength, Soluforce® is pressure tested for a period of 10,000 hours
(more than one year), according to internationally accepted standards. One of the most
important test criteria is that the fitting system should be stronger than the pipe itself.

Next to corrosion, third party interference is the major cause of pipeline failure.
Soluforce® Light and Classic, being completely non-metallic, including the fitting
system, offer the ultimate in absolute corrosion resistance. The resistance to third party
interference, earth quakes and landslides has been verified in the laboratory by falling
weight impact testing, axial load and bending testing under supervision of major oil
companies. In-field impact testing with digging machines has shown equal or better
performance than steel pipe.

Soluforce® is field-proven since 2000, when the first flowlines were installed in the Middle
East desert. These pipes have been in service since without any interruption. Meanwhile
Soluforce® has been installed worldwide onshore and offshore at major oil and gas
companies. No failure in service has been reported.

Axial force test. Test preparation Elevated temperature testing

in a hot water bath.

Bending test
Squeeze test
7
 SOLUFORCE® WATER

HIGH PRESSURE
PLASTIC PIPE SYSTEMS
FOR WATER

8
 SOLUFORCE® WATER

Soluforce® LIGHT : L450 - L540

A synthetic fibre tape reinforcement

for lower pressure applications.
- Effluent water
- Water supply

Soluforce® CLASSIC : M480 - M570

An synthetic fibre tape reinforcement

for medium pressure applications.
- Effluent water
- Saline water
- Water injection

Soluforce® HEAVY : H415 - H515

A high strength steel wire reinforcement

for high pressure water applications.
- High pressure water injection

Soluforce® Classic and Light are resistant to ALL chemicals involved

in water injection, also in extremely sour environments, including:

• (strong) inorganic acids like HCl, H2SO4

• (strong) alkaline materials, including NaOH, KOH, and NH3 solutions
• CO2 in any concentration/pressure
• H2S in any concentration/pressure
• Anti-corrosion additives
• Mineral salts
• Hydrocarbons of any composition

9
 SOLUFORCE® WATER DATA SHEET

Soluforce® WATER Data Sheet

Soluforce® type L450 L540 M480 M570 H415 H515
Dimensions
Nominal diameter 100 mm / 4’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 150 mm / 6’’
Outside diameter 125 mm / 5’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 150 mm / 6’’
Inside diameter 100 mm / 4’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 125 mm / 5’’
Weight in air < 6 kg/m / 4.2 Lb/ft <10 kg/m / 7 Lb/ft
Technical Details
Liner material HDPE, black, type PE100
Cover material HDPE, white, UV stabilised, type PE100
Reinforcement Aramid Fibre High strength steel wire cord
Ratings
Design pressure as per API RP 15S
Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), 45 Bar / 36 Bar / 111 Bar / 90 Bar /
N/A
LCL 20 years (API RP 15S) 644 psi 522 psi 1610 psi 1305 psi
195 Bar / 195 Bar /
Design pressure, FAT (API 17J) N/A
2828 psi 2828 psi
Short term bursting pressure > 144 Bar / > 115 Bar / >360 Bar / > 270 Bar / > 450 Bar / > 360 Bar /
(STHB) 2088 psi 1670 psi 5220 psi 3915 psi 6525 psi 5220 psi
Maximum continuous operating 36 Bar / 29 Bar / 90 Bar / 72 Bar / 150 Bar / 150 Bar /
pressure (20 yrs) 522 psi 421 psi 1305 psi 1044 psi 2200 psi 2200 psi
Operating temperatures
Maximum ambient and/or
65 °C / 150 °F
fluid temperature
Minimum ambient and/or fluid
Above freezing point of fluid
temperature
Design and Construction Parameters
Flow
Hazen Williams friction factor (C) 150
Darcy Weisbach surface
0.0015 mm
roughness (e)
Design lifetime
Surface installed 20 years
Buried 50 years
Minimum bending radius
In storage 1.25 m / 4´1.2’’
In service 3.00 m / 9´10.1’’
Test pressure
Maximum Hydrotest Pressure 49 Bar / 40 Bar / 123 Bar / 100 Bar / 195 Bar / 195 Bar /
711 psi 421 psi 1784 psi 1450 psi 2828 psi 2828 psi
Packaging
Length per coil 400 m / 1312 ´ 220 m / 721´
400 x 420 410 x 420 400 x 420 410 x 420 410 x 420
Dimensions per coil (l x h x w)
x 115 cm x 146 cm x 115 cm x 146 cm x 146 cm
2200 kg / 2720 kg / 2240 kg / 2760 kg / 1940 kg / 2380 kg /
Weight per coil
4846 Lbs 5991 Lbs 4933 Lbs 6079 Lbs 4273 Lbs 5242 Lbs

10
 SOLUFORCE® WATER

Soluforce® LIGHT : L450 - L540

With a maximum operating pressure of 36 Bar and

29 Bar for the (4” and 6” pipe resp.), LIGHT provides
an excellent, flexible solution for medium pressure
water transport. As it is fully non-metallic it serves
any sour application, without restrictions regarding
H2S and CO2 content.

Soluforce® CLASSIC : M480 - M570

Available with a maximum operating pressure of

90 Bar and 72 Bar (4” and 6” resp.), CLASSIC serves
a very wide range of applications due to its unique
combination of properties. Being fully non-metallic
it is the ideal solution for even the toughest high
pressure application such as sour service, without
restrictions regarding H2S and CO2 content.

Temperature uprating factors and maximum pressure rating

Temp [°C] Uprating Factor M480 [bar]* M570 [bar]*
10 1,54 137 109
20 1,45 129 103
30 1,34 120 96
40 1,24 111 89
50 1,14 102 81
55 1,1 98 78
60 1,05 93 75
65 1 90 72
70 0,95 85 68
80 0,86 76 61
*water service

Soluforce® HEAVY : H415 - H515

For very high operating pressures up to 150 Bar

a steel wire reinforced pipe is available (both 4”
and 6”). This pipe is specially developed for very
high pressure (saline) water injection. It is resistant
to (strong) inorganic acids like HCl, H2SO4
and (strong) alkaline materials, including NaOH,
KOH, and NH3 solutions. As this pipe is steel wire
reinforced the pipe has some limitations for sour H2S
applications according to NACE MR0175 / ISO15156.
The CO2 content in the fluid may be very high.

11
 SOLUFORCE® HYDROCARBONS

HIGH PRESSURE
PLASTIC PIPE SYSTEMS
FOR HYDROCARBONS

Lekhwair, Oman sour oil service

7200 m - Pressure 735 psi - Temperature 120 F°
Installed in August 2000

12
 SOLUFORCE® HYDROCARBONS

Soluforce® LIGHT : L450 - L540

A synthetic fibre tape reinforcement
for lower pressure applications.

Soluforce® CLASSIC : M480 - M570

A synthetic fibre tape reinforcement
for medium pressure applications.

Soluforce® CLASSIC HPG : M480 HPG - M570 HPG

A synthetic fibre tape reinforcement with
a low gas permeation grade liner for medium
pressure applications.

Soluforce® HEAVY : H415 PVDF - H515 PVDF New

A PVDF pipe for very high temperatures is under
design. Please consult Soluforce® for further details.

Soluforce® RTP oil hook up line

13
 SOLUFORCE® HYDROCARBONS data sheet

Soluforce® HYDROCARBONS Data Sheet

Soluforce® type L450 L540 M480 M570 M480 HPG M570 HPG
Dimensions
Nominal diameter 100 mm / 4’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 150 mm / 6’’
Outside diameter 125 mm / 5’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 150 mm / 6’’
Inside diameter 100 mm / 4’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 125 mm / 5’’
Weight in air < 6 kg/m / 4.2 Lb/ft <10 kg/m / 7 Lb/ft
Technical Details
Liner material HDPE, black, type PE100 HDPE, low permeation grade
Cover material HDPE, white, UV stabilised, type PE100
Reinforcement Aramid Fibre
Ratings
Design pressure as per API RP 15S
Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), 45 Bar / 36 Bar / 111 Bar / 90 Bar / 111 Bar / 90 Bar /
LCL 20 years (API RP 15S) 644 psi 522 psi 1610 psi 1305 psi 1610 psi 1305 psi
Short term bursting pressure > 144 Bar / > 115 Bar / >360 Bar / > 270 Bar / >360 Bar / > 270 Bar /
(STHB) 2088 psi 1670 psi 5220 psi 3915 psi 5220 psi 3915 psi
Maximum continuous operating 26 Bar / 21 Bar / 65 Bar / 52 Bar / 65 Bar / 52 Bar /
pressure (20 yrs) 377 psi 305 psi 943 psi 754 psi 943 psi 754 psi
Maximum partial gas pressure @ 26 Bar / 21 Bar / 21 Bar / 21 Bar / 65 Bar / 52 Bar /
65 °C / 150 °F 377 psi 305 psi 305 psi 305 psi 943 psi 754 psi
Operating temperatures
Maximum ambient and/or
65 °C / 150 °F
fluid temperature
Minimum ambient and/or fluid
-40 °C / -40 °F
temperature
Design and Construction Parameters
Flow
Hazen Williams friction factor (C) 150
Darcy Weisbach surface
0.0015 mm
roughness (e)
Design lifetime
Surface installed 20 years
Buried 50 years
Minimum bending radius
In storage 1.25 m / 4´1.2’’
In service 3.00 m / 9´10.1’’
Test pressure
Maximum Hydrotest Pressure 49 Bar / 40 Bar / 123 Bar / 100 Bar / 123 Bar / 100 Bar /
711 psi 421 psi 1784 psi 1450 psi 1784 psi 1450 psi
Packaging
Length per coil 400 m / 1312 ´
400 x 420 410 x 420 400 x 420 410 x 420 400 x 420 410 x 420
Dimensions per coil (l x h x w)
x 115 cm x 146 cm x 115 cm x 146 cm x 115 cm x 146 cm
2200 kg / 2720 kg / 2240 kg / 2760 kg / 2240 kg / 2760 kg /
Weight per coil
4846 Lbs 5991 Lbs 4933 Lbs 6079 Lbs 4933 Lbs 6079 Lbs

14
 SOLUFORCE® HYDROCARBONS

Soluforce® LIGHT : L450 - L540

With a maximum operating pressure of 26 Bar

and 21 Bar (4” and 6” pipe resp.), Soluforce® LIGHT
provides an excellent, flexible solution for medium
pressure oil transport. For example beam pump
flow lines are a typical application for this pipe. As
this pipe concept is fully non-metallic it can serve
any sour application, without restrictions regarding
H2S and CO2 content.

Soluforce® CLASSIC : M480 - M570

Soluforce® CLASSIC is available with a maximum

operating pressure of 65 Bar and 52 Bar (4” and 6”
resp.). Being fully non-metallic, it is the ideal solu-
tion for even the toughest applications such as sour
oil service without restrictions regarding H2S and
CO2 content. Applications such as beam pump flow
lines or ESP (submerged pumps) flow lines are areas
where this pipe will prove its benefits.

Soluforce® CLASSIC HPG : M480 HPG - M570 HPG

For high pressure applications with a high asso-

ciated gas content CLASSIC HPG was developed.
This pipe has a special low gas permeation inner
liner. Beam pump or ESP flow lines for oil transport
with a high GOR (gas to oil ratio) will benefit from
the ease of use, even with very high H2S and CO2
contents. It is available with a maximum operating
pressure of 65 Bar and 52 Bar (4” and 6” resp.) for
high GOR applications.

15
 SOLUFORCE® GAS

HIGH PRESSURE
PLASTIC PIPE SYSTEMS
FOR GAS

16
 SOLUFORCE® GAS

Soluforce® LIGHT : L450 - L540

A synthetic fibre tape reinforcement
for medium pressure applications.

Soluforce® CLASSIC HPG : M480 HPG - M570 HPG

A synthetic fibre tape reinforcement
for high pressure applications.

Soluforce® HEAVY PA : H415 PA - H515 PA New

A high strength steel wire reinforcement
with polyamide inner lining for very high
pressure gas applications.

17
 SOLUFORCE® GAS DATA SHEET
Soluforce® GAS Data Sheet
Soluforce® type L450 L540 M480 HPG M570 HPG H415 PA H515 PA
Dimensions
Nominal diameter 100 mm / 4’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 150 mm / 6’’
Outside diameter 125 mm / 5’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 150 mm / 6’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 150 mm / 6’’
Inside diameter 100 mm / 4’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 125 mm / 5’’ 100 mm / 4’’ 125 mm / 5’’
Weight in air < 6 kg/m / 4.2 Lb/ft < 10 kg/m / 7 Lb/ft
Technical Details
Liner material HDPE, black, type PE100 HDPE, low permeation grade API grade Polyamide
Cover material HDPE, white, UV stabilised, type PE100
Reinforcement Aramid Fibre High strength steel wire cord
Weight in air < 6 kg/m / 4.2 Lb/ft <10 kg/m / 7 Lb/ft
Ratings
Design pressure as per API RP 15S
Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), 45 Bar / 36 Bar / 111 Bar / 90 Bar /
N/A
LCL 20 years (API RP 15S) 644 psi 522 psi 1610 psi 1305 psi
Design pressure, FAT (API 17J) N/A 195 Bar / 2828 psi 195 Bar / 2828 psi
Short term bursting pressure > 144 Bar / > 115 Bar / >360 Bar / > 270 Bars / > 450 Bar / > 360 Bar /
(STHB) 2088 psi 1670 psi 5220 psi 3915 psi 6525 psi 5220 psi
Maximum continuous operating 26 Bar / 21 Bar / 65 Bar / 52 Bar / 150 Bar / 150 Bar /
pressure (20 yrs) 377 psi 305 psi 943 psi 754 psi 2200 psi 2200 psi
Operating temperatures
Maximum ambient and/or 65 °C / 150 °F
65 °C / 150 °F
fluid temperature (85 °C / 185 °F, dry fluid)
Minimum ambient and/or fluid
-40 °C / -40 °F
temperature
Design and Construction Parameters
Flow
Hazen Williams friction factor (C) 150
Darcy Weisbach surface
0.0015 mm
roughness (e)
Design lifetime
Surface installed 20 years
Buried 50 years
Minimum bending radius
In storage 1.25 m / 4´1.2’’
In service 3.00 m / 9´10.1’’
Test pressure
Maximum Hydrotest Pressure 49 Bar / 40 Bar / 123 Bar / 100 Bar / 195 Bar / 195 Bar /
711 psi 421 psi 1784 psi 1450 psi 2828 psi 2828 psi
Packaging
Length per coil 400 m / 1312 ´ 220 m / 721´
400 x 420 410 x 420 400 x 420 410 x 420 410 x 420 x 146 cm
Dimensions per coil (l x h x w)
x 115 cm x 146 cm x 115 cm x 146 cm
2200 kg / 2720 kg / 2240 kg / 2760 kg / 1940 kg / 2380 kg /
Weight per coil
4846 Lbs 5991 Lbs 4933 Lbs 6079 Lbs 4273 Lbs 5242 Lbs

18
 SOLUFORCE® GAS

Soluforce® LIGHT : L450 - L540

With a maximum operating pressure of 26 Bar and

21 Bar (4” and 6” resp.), Soluforce® LIGHT provides
an excellent, flexible solution for medium pressure
gas transport. As this pipe concept is fully
non-metallic it can serve any sour applications,
without restrictions regarding H2S and CO2
content.

Soluforce® CLASSIC HPG : M480 HPG - M570 HPG

Available with a maximum operating pressure of 65

Bar and 52 Bar (4” and 6” resp.), Soluforce® CLASSIC
serves a very wide range of applications due to its
unique combination of properties. The special low
gas permeation inner liner ensures a safe operation.
Being fully non-metallic pipe, this is the ideal solu-
tion for even the toughest applications such as sour
gas service, without restrictions regarding H2S
and CO2 content.

Soluforce® HEAVY PA : H415 PA - H515 PA

For very high operating pressures up to 150 Bar a

steel wire reinforced pipe is available (both 4” and
6”) with a special polyamide inner liner. This pipe
is specially developed for high pressure gas applica-
tions. As this pipe is steel wire reinforced the pipe
has some limitations for sour H2S applications
according to NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156, although
the CO2 to content in the gas may be very high.

19
 SOLUFORCE® FITTINGS

HIGH PRESSURE
PLASTIC PIPE SYSTEMS
FITTINGS

20
 SOLUFORCE® Pipe to pipe couplings

Soluforce® in line coupling

• Soluforce® in line coupling

• Soluforce® in line coupling with

white anti UV protective sleeve.

Soluforce® Pipe to Pipe connector «P2P»

• Soluforce® Pipe to Pipe connector

in stainless steel 316

• Pipe to pipe connector with GRE/Plastic

parts connect to Soluforce® pipe.

21
 SOLUFORCE® END-FITTINGS

• Soluforce® end fitting with white anti UV

protective sleeve for hook up to existing
flowlines in other materials.
The flange is ANSI 600#.

• Soluforce® end fitting in stainless

steel 316 with GRE/plastic connection
to the pipe.

• Soluforce® end fitting in nylon coated

ductile iron with nylon insert.
No fluid to metal contact.

• Soluforce® weld stub

22
SOLUFORCE® SWAGED FITTINGS
Swaged fittings are mostly used in combination
with Soluforce® HEAVY at 150 Bars operating pressure

• Soluforce® swaged fitting

in stainless steel

• Soluforce® swaged fitting

• The swaging machine.

• Soluforce® can rent out swaging machines

and provide swaging connection services
upon request.

23
 SOLUFORCE® CONNECTION SYSTEM

HIGH PRESSURE
PLASTIC PIPE SYSTEMS
CONNECTION SYSTEM

Soluforce® welding kit

24
 SOLUFORCE® conneCTION SYSTEM

1.1 Introduction

To connect Soluforce® pipes and hook-up the Soluforce® pipeline to existing pipe work,
PipeLife manufactures two special patented couplers: end-fitting and in-line coupler.
Both couplers are based on the electrofusion principle.

Pipelife provides just one type of coupler and end-fitting for each nominal pipe diameter.
The couplers are stronger than the highest available pipe rating, and therefore do not
need any special engineering attention.

Photo 1A: Soluforce® in-line coupler

Photo 1B: Soluforce® Pipe to pipe
connector is an alternative to the in-line
coupler. It can be factory fitted upon
request.

1.2 Soluforce® pipe to pipe connection concept

To connect two Soluforce® pipes the Soluforce® in-line coupler is used.

The inline connection technique is a 2 step process consisting of:

a) butt-weld of the liner pipe for a 100% leak free connection;

b) electrofusion of the centrally placed in-line coupler for strengthening the connection.

After welding the pipe-ends form a fully integrated plastic connection.

The Soluforce® electrofusion in-line coupler basically consists of a GRE-reinforced plastic

sleeve, with an integrated copper heating-coil (photo 1). Photo 2 shows the pipe to pipe
connection after welding.

Photo 2

25
 SOLUFORCE® conneCTION SYSTEM

1.3 Soluforce® pipe to pipe connection in 8 steps

The complete process is computer controlled with no possible human error.
The computer controls all aspects of non destructive testing NDT.

1- Reading the coupler data

Running the “bar code reader” over the
barcode of the in-line coupler will identify
the coupling and initiate the welding
procedure (photo 3). After the in-line
coupler condition is tested by the
CNC-unit the preparations can start.
Photo 3: Reading the barcode with the «bar code reader»

2- Scraping the pipe surface

The pipe-end cover layers are scraped to
get a fresh PE-surface to weld the in-line
coupler electrofusion sleeve (photo 4).

Photo 4: Scraping the pipe cover layer

3- Loading pipe into the welding frame

The in-line electrofusion sleeve is cleaned
and slid over one pipe-end. The pipe-end
with the in-line coupler and the second
pipe-end are loaded into the welding
frame (photo 5).

Photo 5: Pipe-ends loaded in fusion frame

4- Trimming the pipe ends

By means of one of the trimming tools
both pipe-end faces are trimmed resulting
in a small length of free liner pipe necessary
for butt-welding (photo 6).

Photo 6: Trimming the pipe-ends

26
 SOLUFORCE® conneCTION SYSTEM

1.3 Soluforce® pipe to pipe connection in 8 steps

The complete process is computer controlled with no possible human error.

5- Butt-welding the liners

After removing the burrs a heating-plate
is inserted for around 60 seconds to heat
both pipe-ends (photo 7).

Photo 7: Heating the liner-pipe ends by means of the

heating-plate

6- Butt-weld cooling
The heating-plate is automatically removed
and the pipe-ends pressed together
(photo 8). The butt-weld procedure
is fully controlled by the CNC-unit.

Photo 8: butt-welding of the pipe-ends

7- Welding of the electrofusion sleeve

After a cooling time of approx. 8 minutes
the in-line coupler electrofusion sleeve
is slid back centrally on the butt-weld
and fused to the pipe connection by
energizing the copper heating-coil
for about 4 minutes (photo 9). When
the electrofusion is finished the coupler
Photo 9: In-line coupler electrofusion sleeve centrally
must be cooled for about 30 minutes.
placed over the pipe-ends and connected

8- Cooling of the connection

After expiry of the cooling time,
the welding parameters are checked
by the CNC-unit. If the welding parameters
are within the specifications, the connection
is approved (“Parameters OK” is displayed).
Now the pipe to pipe connection can be
removed from the welding frame
Photo 10: After cooling the in-line connection is ready
and the pipe put in place.

27
 SOLUFORCE® conneCTION SYSTEM

1.4 Soluforce® end-fitting concept (flange)

In order to hook-up the Soluforce®

pipeline to existing pipe work
the Soluforce® end-fitting is used.
The end-fitting is a combination of an
electrofusion end-fitting sleeve and
several steel parts (photo 11)

The Soluforce® electrofusion end-fitting

sleeve basically consists of a GRE-reinforced
plastic sleeve, with an integrated copper
heating-coil (figure 10).
To make the connection the plastic sleeve
is electrofused on the pipe-end.
Photo 11: Soluforce® flanged and-fitting
After electrofusion the end-fitting
and the pipe-end are fully integrated.
To connect the pipe-end to the existing
pipe work the steel parts are put in
place. The steel parts mechanically
interlock on the plastic sleeve and can be
bolted to the existing pipe works by means
of a standard flange (See photo 11).
For all pipe sizes the Soluforce®
standard end-fitting product has a SS316
6” 600 pounds ANSI RF flange, which easily
can be bolted to the existing pipeworks
(photo 11 and 12).

Photo 12: Soluforce® electrofusion end-fitting sleeve

28
 SOLUFORCE® conneCTION SYSTEM

1.5 Soluforce® end-fitting in 5 steps

The complete process is computer controlled with no possible human error.

1- Reading the coupler data

The CNC-unit will lead the operator
through the welding procedure.
By running the “bar code reader” over
the barcode the end-fitting is identified
and the end-fitting welding procedure
started (photo 13).

Photo 13: Reading the barcode with the «bar code reader»

2- Scraping the pipe surface

By using the pipe-end scraping tool the
top-layer of the pipe-cover is removed
over the entire pipe surface and length
of the end-fitting (photo 14).

Photo 14: Scraping of the pipe outer surface

3- Trimming the pipe end

After loading the pipe-end into the
welding frame the trimming tool is put
in place to trim the pipe-end (photo 15)

Photo 15: End-fitting trimming in progress

29
 SOLUFORCE® conneCTION SYSTEM
1.5 Soluforce® end-fitting in 5 steps
The complete process is computer controlled with no possible human error.
Photo 16: The actual welding of an end-fitting
Photo 17: Installing the steel parts
Photo 18: Soluforce® end-fitting with weld stub
30
4- Welding of the electrofusion sleeve
The cleaned end-fitting sleeve is pushed
over the cleaned pipe-end and fixed
between the clamps. The fusion leads are
connected to the end-fitting terminals
and the electrofusion started (photo 16).
The CNC-unit will check the connection
and when the connection is approved
electrofusion is started by energizing the
copper heating-coil for about 4 minutes.
When the electrofusion is finished
the fitting must be cooled for about
30 minutes. After expiry of the cooling
time, the welding parameters are checked
by the CNC-unit. If the welding parameters
are within the specifications, the connection
is approved (“Parameters OK” is displayed).
5- Assembly of the steel parts
Now the end-fitting connection can be
taken out off the welding frame. After
installation of the steel parts (photo 17)
the pipe can be connected to the
existing steel pipeline.
Soluforce® end-fitting (Weld stub)
For the gas transport and distribution
pipe systems flanged connections are
not allowed. For the connection of
Soluforce® RTP pipes to existing steel
pipeline end fittings may be supplied
with a weld stub. The welding procedure
is the same. The termination is re-designed
into a weld stub which can be connected
by steel welding onto the existing
steel pipe (photo 18).
 SOLUFORCE® WELDING EQUIPMENT

Soluforce® Welding equipment kit

The Soluforce® welding kit contains all the necessary tools to weld the Soluforce®
fitting system. The kit is packed in a 20 ft container.
The main part is the Soluforce® welding tool, which is based on standard available
equipment modified for the welding of the Soluforce® fitting system.

The equipment is fully automatic and CNC controlled.

The welding system consists of :

a) CNC unit to make computer controlled welds, data acquisition of the welding
parameters and driving the hydraulic system ;
b) Welding generator for delivery of the electrical power for electrofusion ;
c) Heating plate for heating up the pipe-ends necessary for making the liner
butt-weld ;
d) Welding frame for fixing the pipes and controlled welding process ;
e) Pipe trimmers to prepare the pipe-end face before welding ;

SOLUFORCE® REPAIR PROCEDURE

A full repair procedure exists.

Please contact Soluforce® for futher details

31
 SOLUFORCE® OFFSHORE

HIGH PRESSURE
PLASTIC PIPE SYSTEMS
OFFSHORE

Special over-size drums for offshore

can be supplied on demand
32
 SOLUFORCE® OFFSHORE

When installed empty, the maximum external pressure on Soluforce®, depending

on diameter, is about 0.3 MPa, which limits the water depth to approximately 30 meters.
However, when the Soluforce® RTP system is kept pressurized or water filled during
installation and operation there is no theoretical limit to the water depth.

For oil and water pipes, the maximum water depth is therefore much more than 30 meters,
and limited in practice by the maximum allowable tensile load during installation.
For gas pipe, the maximum water depth is determined by the hydrostatic collapse
resistance.

Soluforce® CLASSIC Soluforce® HEAVY

Soluforce® type
M480 M570 Standard H415 H415 Standard
Dimensions
Nominal diameter (mm) 100 (4“) 125 (5“) 100 (4“) 125 (5“)
Weight, empty in air (kg/m) 4,6 5,9 7,0 9,0
Weight, empty submerged (kg/m) -8,1 -12,4 -5,6 -8,9
Weight, waterfilled, submerged (kg/m) -0,3 -0,4 2,2 3,1
Maximum pressure, water service (barg) 90 72 DNV 150 150 DNV
Maximum pressure, hydrocarbon service (barg) 64 51 API RP 15S Consult Pipelife API 17J
Maximum pressure, gas service1 (barg) 64 51 API RP 15S Consult Pipelife API 17J
Maximum hydrotest pressure 2
(barg) 123 100 DNV 195 195 DNV
Maximum service température (C°) 65 65 65 65
Internal surface roughness (Darcy Weisbach) (mm) 0,0015 0,0015 0,0015 0,0015
Hazen Williams friction factor 150 150 150 150
1
Special grade HDPE linerpipe
2
Max 24 hours, test medium: water. For Soluforce® Heavy see API 17J, Chapter 9.

For more information contact us directly at info@soluforce.com or visit our website

www.soluforce.com to download our brochure and submit your questions.
Project references can be supplied upon demand. A design guideline for offshore
installation can be obtained from Soluforce.

Conforms to API RP 15S or API 17J for spoolable composite pipe systems.
Soluforce® RTP is DNV certified.

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 SOLUFORCE® OFFSHORE

HYDROSTATIC COLLAPSE RESISTANCE

Soluforce® is suitable for static applications. An engineering design guideline is available

upon request. Please contact Soluforce.

Soluforce® is not an engineering design consultant and cannot undertake the design
of offshore pipelines. We are able to recommend offshore design consultants who know
the Soluforce® product range and have experience of using it in offshore designs.

For dynamic applications please consult Soluforce®.

Soluforce® Classic RTP during installation

with concrete block attachment for sinking
to bottom of sea.

34
 SOLUFORCE® OFFSHORE

Disclaimer:
All products purchased from or supplied by Pipelife are subjected to terms and conditions set out in the contract, order acknowledgement
and/or bill of lading. Pipelife warrants only that its product will meet those specifi cations designated in such contracts, order acknowledge-
ments, and/or bills of loading. All other information including that herein, supplied by Pipelife, is considered accurate but is furnished upon the
express conditions that the customer shall make his own assessment to determine the product’s suitability for a particular purpose. Pipelife
makes no other warranty either express or implied, regarding such other information, the data upon which the same is based, or the results
to be obtained from the use thereof; that any products shall be merchantable or fit for any particular purpose; or that the use of such other infor-
mation or product will not infringe any patent.

35
 SOLUFORCE®
FLEXIBLE THINKING

www.soluforce.com

September, 2009 / Copyright: Pipelife Nederland bv

Pipelife Nederland B.V.

Flevolaan 7
1601 MA Netherlands
Tel.: +31(0) 228 355 555
Fax: +31(0) 228 355 520
info@soluforce.com