The North Caspian Sea Production SPSA Consortium developing the Kashagan oil field in the Caspian Sea recently gave BUTTING an order to deliver clad pipes.

Kashagan is located in the northern part of the Caspian Sea, in the republic of Kazakhstan. It is considered to be one of the largest oil discoveries in more than 45 years and ranks amongst the world’s largest known oil fields.

Shortly after the start of operations, cracks were discovered in the pipes from the offshore production field to the onshore processing facility.

A solution had to be found as quickly as possible, which took into account the predominant climatic conditions and the end flow media such as acid gas.

To replace the carbon steel pipe, metallurgically clad pipes are now being used. API 5L L415 QOS or MOS carbon steel was selected with high-grade cladding in UNS N06625.

The total order involves 130.4km of pipes in size ID 679.2x (15.9+3) mm.

Due to the urgency of this replacement pipe delivery, fulfillment of the order will commence in March 2015.