Chapter

2
Pipeline Features
2.1 Overview
This chapter lists the main types of subsea and land pipelines and the different
types of construction materials and terminations. The figures in this chapter
illustrate and identify the various components of pipelines.

Some pipeline features require special attention during the planning of

precommissioning and commissioning operations. These features are high-
lighted under Pipeline Components and Procedures Requiring Special Attention
(Section 2.4).

2.2 Subsea Pipelines

Table 2.1 lists the main types of subsea pipeline, construction materials, and
terminations currently used in the pipeline industry.

Table 2.1-Types of Subsea Pipeline

Type Material Terminations
Trunkline Carbon Steel Platform to Shore
Platform to Platform
Carbon Steel Platform to Subsea Tee
Export Pipeline
Stainless Steel Manifold to Platform
Manifold to Subsea Tee
Platform to Platform
Carbon Steel
Platform to Subsea Tee
Infield Pipeline Stainless Steel
Manifold to Platform
Flexible
Manifold to Subsea Tee
Carbon Steel Wellhead to Platform
Flowline Stainless Steel Wellhead to Manifold
Flexible Manifold to Platform
Carbon Steel
Bundle Various
Stainless Steel

January 1997 Chapter 2 2-1

 2.2.1 Subsea Pipeline Components
The pipeline owner or the contractor usually contracts the initial construction by
parts. Different contractors or subcontractors may be responsible for testing each
part.

Common trunkline parts are listed below:

• Topside facilities including the pig trap and topside riser

• Subsea riser tie-in spool piece
• Subsea pipeline
• Shore approach
• Land section
• Terminal facilities and pig trap
• Crossings
• Free spans (which require grouting and stabilization)
• Subsea pipeline manifolds (plems)

The usual parts for export and infield pipelines and flowlines are listed below:

• Topside facilities including the pig traps and risers

• Subsea manifold or tee spool piece
• Subsea riser tie-in spool piece

Figure 2. 1-Subsea Trunkline

Figure 2.2-lnfield Pipeline

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Figure 2.3-Flowline
Figure 2.4-Bundle
• Subsea risers
• Subsea pipeline
Figures 2.1 through 2.4 show compo-
nent locations of a subsea trunkline,
an infield pipeline, a flowline, and a
bundle. Components are listed in
Table 2.2.
After components are pressure tested
by the construction contractor, they
may be tested again by both the
prime contractor and the pipeline
owner. For example, spool pieces are
tested on the vessel before installa-
tion and are then subjected to at least
one additional test after installation.
The pipeline section is often tested
before and after trenching. To save
time at a later stage in the project, the
pipeline owner can arrange for the
contractor's tests to be combined
strength and leak tests.
January 1997
• p • p
Table 2.2-Components of Subsea Pipelines
(Corresponding to Figures 2.1 to 2.4)
A Topside riser, pig trap, and connecting pipework
B Topside riser to subsea riser tie-in joint
C Subsea riser
D Subsea riser
E Subsea valve spool piece
F Subsea pipeline
G Subsea tee
H Subsea pipeline to shore approach tie-in joint
J Shore approach
K Shore approach to land pipeline section tie-in joint
L Land pipeline section
M Land pipeline to pig trap tie-in piece
N Terminal pig trap and connecting pipework
0 Pipeline bundle
P Flexible pipeline
Q Subsea manifold
R Subsea export pipeline tee
S Wellhead connection
Chapter 2 2-3
 The pipeline owner has the option of using a shortened, final leak test if both of
the following requirements have been met:

• All component parts of the pipeline have been previously strength tested
for a 24-hour period.
• The joining flanges that have not been leak tested are on the platform or
in the terminal and are visible.

2.3 Land Pipelines

Table 2.3 lists the main types of land pipelines, construction materials, and
terminations currently used in the pipeline industry. Trunklines are usually
buried, but flowlines are normally above ground.

Table 2.3-Types of Land Pipelines

Type Material Terminations
Terminal to Terminal
Terminal to Gas
Compressor Station
Trunkline Carbon Steel
Terminal to Gas Block
Valve
Terminal to Tee
Flowline Carbon Steel Wellhead to Wellhead

2.3.1 Land Pipeline Components

Figures 2.5 and 2.6 illustrate typical configurations of a land trunkline and a
flowline. Land and infield pipeline components are listed in Table 2.4.

The following parts are usually included in a trunkline:

• Terminal facilities, including the pig traps

• Land pipeline
• Compressor, pump, or valve stations

The following parts are usually included in a flowline:

• Terminal facilities
• Flowline
• Wellhead manifold

Either the pipeline owner or the contractor usually awards the pipeline construc-
tion contract according to parts. Different contractors or subcontractors may be
responsible for testing each part.

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Trunkline pressure testing must be performed in sections if either of the follow-
ing situations exist:

• The distance between compressor, pump, or valve stations exceeds the

specified maximum test section length.
• The elevations produce points on the pipeline where the specified test
pressure is exceeded.

Table 2.4-Components of Land Pipelines

(Corresponding to Figures 2.5 and 2.6)
A Terminal facilities with pig traps
B Land pipeline
C Compressor, pump, or valve stations
D Flowline
E Wellhead manifold
F Terminal connection

A
c
D -
B

c
Figure 2.5-Typical Land Trunkline Configuration

D
F

Figure 2.6-Typical Flowline Configuration

January 1997 Chapter 2 2-5

 2.4 Pipeline Components and Procedures
Requiring Special Attention
Sphere tees, pig signalers, valves, pipeline bores, vents and drains, pipe bends,
and pig traps require particular attention during precommissioning or commis-
sioning operations.

2.4.1 Sphere Tee Pigging

If pipelines have sphere tees installed, select pigs carefully. The distance be-
tween the front and rear discs of the pig must be large enough to ensure that the
front disc is completely past the tee apertures before the rear disc enters the
aperture area.

2.4.2 Dewatering and Drying

A subsea tee sleeve cannot be drained, and as a result, the tee sleeve contains
water after dewatering is complete. During chemical conditioning, water is
treated by chemical slugs that move beyond the tee. The chemicals mix with the
water, leaving a liquid that does not form hydrates during commissioning. The
quantity of chemical required must be increased to allow for treatment of the
water in the tee sleeves.

The tee water problem is more difficult to resolve during air, nitrogen, or
vacuum drying. The reduced surface area of the water contained in the tee
extends the time required to dry the pipeline. Consider surface area when
calculating the total drying time. Refer to Chapter 8 for more information on air,
nitrogen, or vacuum drying.

Many older pipelines have tees without sleeves or sphere bars. Carefully select
the type of pig to use in these pipelines.

2.4.3 Pig Signalers

Pipelines often must be pigged in the direction opposite to normal flow. In these
instances, make sure the pig signaler device is bidirectional. If the signaler is
unidirectional, all parts protruding into the pipeline bore must be removed
before pigging.

2.4.4 Valves
When a check valve is fitted in the pipeline, make sure the valve allows pigs to
pass through the valve in either direction. When planning to pig in the opposite
direction to flow, make sure the distance between the front and rear discs is
sufficient to allow the front discs to pass through the valve before the first rear
disc enters the valve.

As with subsea tees, consider water that remains trapped in valve body cavities
when planning drying operations.

For emergency shutdown (ESD) and other valves, ensure that the valve bore is
the same diameter as the pipeline bore.

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Ensure that valve trims are compatible with any proposed swabbing chemical
and that valve types are compatible with vacuum-drying techniques.

2.4.5 Pipeline Bore

Most modern pipelines have constant bores with no ID changes; however, older
pipelines often have diameter changes. Consider diameter changes when plan-
ning pigging operations. Internal upset on the risers to an offshore installation
often results from an increase in wall thickness. This "step" can cause a pig to
hang up.

Diameter changes do occur in modern pipelines that are poorly designed.

Thoroughly check the pipeline owner's information on pipeline diameter and
diameter changes to avoid having a stuck pig.

2.4.6 Vents and Drains

Ensure that platform and terminal pipework includes sufficient vents and drains.
Verify this requirement at an early stage of the contract to allow the client time
to arrange for additions.

2.4.7 Pipeline Bends

Pipeline bends normally have a minimum bend radius of three times the pipe
OD to allow pigs to pass safely. If intelligent pigging of a pipeline is planned,
check that all bends, including field bends, have a bend radius sufficiently large
to permit the intelligent pig to pass. Check the client's pipeline information to
ensure that no bends have a bend radius smaller than the minimum radius
required by the pig.

2.4.8 Pig Traps

Commissioning operations are performed either in the reverse direction to
normal flow or the same direction as normal flow. Check the design of pig traps
and pipework to ensure that pigs can be launched and received in both direc-
tions, that pigs can be safely loaded and retrieved at each end, and that suffi-
ciently large pumps and discharge connections are available (Appendix B).

January 1997 Chapter 2 2-7

2-8 Pipeline Commissioning Manual January 1997