Project Overview
CRC Evans delivered on one of the most technically challenging pipeline projects in recent history – Julimar.
Commissioned to provide gas and condensate from the Julimar reserve located 200 km off the north west coast of Australia, there were several challenging aspects involved in its scope-of-works, one notable being the size of the pipe diameter and insulation thickness which, at the time in 2020, had never been installed by reel-lay.
Operated from BOMC Spoolbase in Bintan, Indonesia, our scope involved coating 22 km of 18-inch pipeline with 65mm of 5-layer polypropylene insulation, totalling 23-inch in diameter, the largest total diameter pipeline ever reeled, all achieved while navigating strict restrictions and disruptions due to coronavirus.
Work Scope
Project Scope and Requirements
Our scope-of-works involved coating 22 km of 18-inch pipeline with 65mm of 5-layer polypropylene insulation. Totalling a 23 inch diameter, in 2020 this was the largest total diameter pipeline ever reeled. No mean feat for our experienced team, who delivered exceptional results all while navigating Covid-19 restrictions.
With personnel safety at the very top of the agenda, our Personnel Manager navigated the constantly changing and country specific coronavirus restrictions to ensure our site team could be deployed to site in a safe way, through adaptive pandemic protocols and global coordination, which ensured uninterrupted progress throughout the duration of the project.
Solution
Deploying a tailored coating solution for this record-breaking project, we utilised a range of our proprietary in-house technologies including:
- Raptor – a patented, high-frequency heating equipment designed to minimise cycle times and reduced heat exposure under factory coating.
- Solaris – a piece of heating technology which ensures controlled and consistent overlap temperatures to avoid disbondment or cracking.
- IMPP System – which delivers high production rates, while supporting performance under extreme bending stresses.
- Enclosed HYDRA Quench – which maintains field joint integrity and reduced deformation with controlled cooling.
With foresight, we ensured remote witnessing technology was installed within our Burnley-based PQT facility allowing our team to deliver pre-qualification testing remotely. The investment paid-off allowing for relevant tests to take place without delay to the project and with great success.
Project Timeline
• December 2020: Mobilisation and site preparation commenced.
• 2021–2022: Coating execution, testing, and project completion occurred during peak global pandemic disruptions.
• January 2023: Project recognised as a global success in field joint coating.
Benefits to client
Executed with precision, this record-breaking performance from our team was a huge success. Every aspect of the project was accomplished to the highest of standards and under the immense pressure of the pandemic.
The team displayed impeccable safety and adaptability, with zero quality issues or repairs, the project was a testament to our team’s technical rigor and expertise, while we also demonstrated our innovative adaptability with the introduction of remote PQT witnessing which enabled full client engagement despite global travel restrictions.
Conclusion
Julimar Project is as a landmark achievement for the company, setting new industry benchmarks in pipeline coating and offshore installation under extraordinary conditions. By combining innovation, our proprietary technologies and engineering excellence, we not only met but exceeded client expectations, further cementing our reputation as global welding and coating experts.
