Dry gas transportation -Pexgol

Dry gas line for pump activation.

The Challenge

ExxonMobil, the unconventional oil field operator located in Neuquén (Argentina), was analyzing the installation of an underground line to convey dry gas. It was used as fuel to drive pumps to transport large volumes of water, used in the development of unconventional deposits.
The company evaluated different pipe alternatives such as: 2-inch diameter carbon steel, or Pexgol cross-linked polyethylene pipe. In addition to the cost, the main premise in the analysis was the reduction of the time of provision and installation of the pipe, which had to be in service in the shortest possible time to supply the needs of the drilling equipment operating in the deposit.

Pexgol Solution

The local team (Argpex) proposed to use a 90 mm diameter Pexgol pipe, class 10 in coils of just under 630 m each. The manufacture and transportation of 1000 km, was carried out in the course of a week.
The uncoiling and unwinding was carried out in a single day with minimal equipment consisting of an uncoiler and a vehicle to pull the pipe, in this case a backhoe. Electrofusion joints were made in one day.
The cost of the Pexgol material, including transportation to the location, represented less than 20% of the cost that a 2-inch carbon steel pipe would have consumed only materials and welding labor. A hydraulic test was carried out and the operation was subsequently started with positive results.