Within the framework of implementation of megaproject Kandym-Khauzak-Shady-Kungrad ( Uzbekistan ), LUKOIL Overseas through its subsidiary operating company, LUKOIL Uzbekistan , has completed the construction of a linear section of a gas pipeline on the Khauzak block.

45-kilometer gas pipeline made of German and French corrosion-resistant pipes with the diameter of 711 millimeters and wall thickness of 20.6 millimeters is designed to transport sour natural gas from Khauzak to the tie-in point on Dengizkul-Mubarek main pipeline. Welding and assembly work (by a Kazakhstan contractor, United Construction Company) took 4 months. 75 highly qualified certified welders and 17 welding unit’s operators were simultaneously working at the construction site making up to 85 joints per shift. During these activities a special automatic welding mode for sour environment was applied as per the technology of American company CRC.

Joints were welded from inside with the use of a special centralizer that forms a weld of 8-10 micro-layers with each of them being protected against the aggressive impact of the sour environment. The welding was followed by X-ray and ultrasonic tests to prevent any defects as well as the thermal treatment of welds by heating them to 600 degrees to relieve post-welding stress, restore crystallizing, create a monolithic environment and enhance the corrosion resistance of welds. Welding joint zones were isolated with the use of shrunk-on rings following the positive opinion by the laboratory and technical supervision service.

More information: www.lukoil-overseas.ru

 Posted July 30, 2007