The Challenges of Long Pipelines

When liquids inside a pipeline become too viscous and begin to solidify, operations could come to a stop. To maintain a consistent flow of temperature sensitive fluids by pipeline, it is important to consider a solution that combines the proper heating system with pre-insulated piping, isolated anchors and supports in addition to fiber optic distributed temperature sensing and advanced analytical software to provide real-time performance updates on the pipelines’ operational performance.

Pipeline Flow Assurance

Long pipeline heating is necessary for pipe freeze protection, viscosity control, and temperature maintenance of transfer lines between processing plants, storage tanks and transportation facilities.

Longline heat tracing is complex, requiring long electrical circuit lengths - usually with a single electrical power point - balanced temperature distribution profiles, high power and resistance to extreme environmental conditions and long operational lifecycle requirements.

Typical applications include:

• Heavy / waxy fuel oils, VGO, bitumen, asphalt
• Sulphur and sulphuric acid lines
• Phenol, caustics and wet and dry chlorine
• Water supply and waste water drains

Reliable Engineered Solutions

We offer integrated pipeline flow assurance systems across various heating cable technologies, with circuit lengths up to 50km.

• Skin-effect (STS) heating with maximum operating temperatures up to 260C, and voltages up to 10 kV.
• Smart control and monitoring systems combined with Raychem Pipeline Supervisor for full operational visibility in one central location.
• Fiber optic temperature sensing, providing a continuous temperature profile along the pipe.
• Optimized insulation systems with customized pipe supports and pre-insulated piping.
• Pre-insulated pipe.