Amidst the scorching heat and humidity of Houston, Texas, a dynamic scene unfolds at our global control lines hub. Here, welding inspectors intently scrutinize X-ray screens, while nearby welding technicians fuse shorter coils of stainless-steel tubing into long continuous reels.
Welding – where art meets science
“In our industry, welding is both an art and a science – encompassing the skills and experience required for precise ASME-certified weld inspections,” asserts Brock Mayberry, Houston’s Operations Manager.
Prioritizing safety and quality assurance
Mayberry underscores: A lack of tube integrity due to a faulty weld is simply not an option. Our highest priority is on safety and quality assurance. Every member of my team is fully committed to making sure customers receive comprehensive traceability and documentation for the entire length of each coil.”
New radiographic test equipment
A recent milestone entails the installation of state-of-the-art radiographic test equipment. Simultaneously, the team has undertaken rigorous x-ray weld-inspection training, securing certification for Non-Destructive Training (NDT) Level 2. The rigorous curriculum encompasses ASNT SNT-TC-1A, CP-189, NAS 410 and other equivalent standards. These measures are an important part of our USA investment strategy, aimed at reducing delivery times and enhancing global service by streamlining operations in the North American region – with Houston as a pivotal hub.
A rich legacy in oil and gas
Alleima has vast experience in the oil and gas industry and has provided all major hydrocarbon companies with seamless control lines, subsea umbilical tubing, OCTG and more – in stainless steel, duplex stainless steel and nickel alloys. With roots tracing back to Sandviken, Sweden, in 1862, and a 30-year presence in Houston, Texas, along with tube production, including coiled tube, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Faster and more agile deliveries
“This latest investment is geared towards agility, accelerated deliveries and an overall improved customer experience,” says Leandro Finzetto, General Manager in Houston. “With the pandemic over, revived markets and restored global supply chains, the drive for hydrocarbon exploration and recovery has resurged. Exhausted are the easy reservoirs, leaving us with deeper, hotter and more corrosive sour wells – necessitating robust control lines.”
Meeting escalating demand
Finzetto acknowledges the industry’s rollercoaster dynamics, often enduring 3–5-year cycles of erratic oil and gas prices. From unprecedented lows of $20 – 40 per barrel a few years ago to highs of $120, and now ranging between $80 and $100. Despite this turbulence, he anticipates rising demand for hydrocarbon products across the board over the next decade or two.
Navigating challenges of deeper wells
2023 now marks a turning point and is keeping Brock Mayberry and his team busy. Deeper wells, frequently operating in harsher conditions, require a broader range of corrosion-resistant control line materials. This entails extended lengths, occasionally featuring larger outer diameters with smaller wall thicknesses, to reduce weight.
Corrosion-resistant nickel alloys
For example, he cites a growing interest in Sanicro® 41 (Alloy 825), a nickel alloy with good resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in chlorides and hydrogen sulfide. Alloy 825 offers a corrosion-resistant option when 316L is insufficient and duplexes cannot cope with the heat.
Knowledge is power
“Our team comprises welding experts and two Level 2 x-ray certified technicians. Anyone can buy weld test equipment, but the knowledge takes years to develop,” says Brock Mayberry. These recent investments not only speed up deliveries via the Houston office but enable a wide mix of materials and custom-tailored lengths, depending on customer requirements.
Coils up to 35,000 feet
“Our longest length coils are up to 35,000 feet (10,668 meters). So, you could say that we are well positioned to fulfill any customer request, regardless of the coil length,” Mayberry concludes.
Welding Certifications
• ASME B31.3