Abstract
Offshore pipeline and riser installation poses significant logistical and technical challenges, often addressed through the application of complex offshore welding methods. These traditional approaches are associated with high costs and extended timelines. RapidPipe technology, based on installing pre-fabricated pipeline sections and advanced RapidPipe connectors, offers a transformative solution. Qualification in accordance with ISO 13628-7 and verification by DNV has demonstrated the capability of RapidPipe connectors in meeting the demanding performance requirements of subsea pipelines and steel catenary risers (SCRs). Designed for use with pipelines ranging from 6 to 20 inches in diameter and operating at pressures up to 12,000 psi, the technology supports installations at depths up to 3,000 meters or more. Its versatility allows compatibility with both S-lay and J-lay methods and enables efficient integration with carbon steel pipelines lined with corrosion-resistant alloys (CRA), titanium alloys, and polymer liners such as HDPE and UHMWPE. This versatility makes RapidPipe ideal for environments involving hydrogen, CO2, and sour oil and gas, where traditional welding methods face material compatibility or operational challenges.
RapidPipe technology significantly reduces installation costs. Exact savings depend on project-specific variables, and offshore installation time can be reduced by as much as 90%, while significantly lowering vessel usage and reducing CO2 emissions by over 85%, aligning with global carbon reduction goals. Notably, RapidPipe benefits are further enhanced for CRA-clad and mechanically lined pipelines, where installation can be more complex, and the potential gains from recovery, reuse, and recycling are increased. The connector's pre-loaded design ensures high fatigue resistance, while robust sealing mechanisms provide leak-proof performance under harsh subsea conditions. RapidPipe also facilitates the recovery and reuse of pipelines, reducing waste and enhancing the economic feasibility of marginal offshore projects.
This study illustrates how RapidPipe technology addresses critical industry demands, including cost efficiency, enhanced environmental sustainability, and operational safety. By improving installation efficiency and reliability in challenging environments, RapidPipe represents a forward-thinking solution poised to transform offshore pipeline projects, particularly in deepwater and ultra-deepwater applications. The ability to reduce offshore exposure, optimize vessel utilization, and enhance material efficiency positions RapidPipe as a sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional pipeline installation methods.
