Manufacturing defect discovered on pipe components

Release Date: 2009-05-13

It was recently discovered that a manufacturer of pipe components (fittings) has delivered the wrong quality pipes to several operating companies over a period of three years. In an effort to ensure the best possible safety, the industry is cooperating through OLF to resolve these problems.

"The operations on the Norwegian Shelf must take place in a safe and prudent manner. Therefore the industry takes a very serious view of suppliers not delivering the specified quality," says Knut Thorvaldsen, Director of HSE and Operations in OLF.  The manufacturer of the pipe components is a major international player and the components with quality discrepancies have been delivered to projects around the world. The quality deviation was discovered in Norway.   

Changed production method 

When the agreement for delivery of the pipe components was signed, the supplier was subject to a quality assurance process in accordance with the strict guidelines that apply to the oil and gas industry, as well as on the part of the individual operating companies. The manufacturer also held the necessary approvals in the EU system. The production routines were changed subsequent to the quality control process, and these changes have proven to yield poorer quality for some of the pipe components than was originally agreed.  

Work is underway 

The involved operating companies are already working to determine the scope of the problem, and to repair the weaknesses. The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway has also been notified about the quality issue.  "The quality discrepancies have not led to incidents on facilities in operation. Each operating company has an independent responsibility for identifying measures to reduce risk when quality discrepancies are discovered. At the same time, the companies are working together through OLF to ensure that the industry as a whole handles these challenges in the best way possible," says Thorvaldsen. There is also close cooperation with the suppliers, who have dedicated substantial resources to resolving this problem.  

Discovered during testing 

The quality discrepancies on some pipe components were discovered during testing of a facility, and it quickly emerged that the same pipe components were also found on facilities in operation, although no incidents have been reported. The fault lies in incorrect heat treatment of the pipes, which can mean that the steel does not meet the industry's strict requirements for mechanical properties.   The pipe components are used both in seawater systems on the platforms and in oil/gas systems both underwater and on the platforms.

SOURCE: OLF

Type:

NORMAL