Development of high-deformability line pipes

Recently the demand for pipeline construction in seismic and permafrost regions in Russia has grown significantly. The need for pipeline construction in ATR regions is caused by Gazprom activities in Western Siberia and in the Far East (project “Power of Siberia”). High deformability of pipe steel will enable safe gas transmission through the pipeline. Common approach to gas pipelines includes smaller diameter pipes with thicker walls for regions susceptible to seismic activities. This approach requires more branches in such areas to maintain the amount of supplied gas. An alternative solution is the use of high deformability pipes instead of changing pipe sizes. In this paper pipeline design features applied in seismic and permafrost regions are discussed. Advantages of using high deformability pipes in these regions are substantiated, an overview of their properties and manufacturing technologies is presented. Technology of plate rolling and production of high deformability pipes and high toughness of seam welds is developed. Results of the production of trial lots of plates and pipes are presented.