Gas reserves were discovered in the mid-1990s on the Bintuni Bay, in the Indonesian province of West Papua. For the major multinational project Tangguh LNG, the operator developed six natural gas fields and production began in June 2009. Three years later the approval of Plan of Development II was given to extend the plant. The final investment decision was taken in July 2016 and the new plant is planned to go into operation in 2020.
Metallurgically clad pipes are required for extending the plant from Tangguh phase 1. After time-consuming qualification process, a total of three pipe manufacturers from all over the world were in the running. BUTTING had a lot of plus points. The end-user was impressed not only by our longstanding experience, but especially by the technical resources and the promise of particularly tight tolerances. With advantageous pricing, the family business, together with a strong local partner, was successful in acquiring the order. Tangguh is one of the major clad projects in Indonesia ever and BUTTING was able to secure it. We have high hopes that it will be the beginning of many projects we have in the emerald of the equator. David Widjaja, President Director of PT Agcia Pertiwi, explains: “BUTTING has transformed the clad pipe business here in Indonesia and we are happy to be able to work with such an esteemed company.”
The first test pipes and bends were produced in the early months of 2017. Production of the metallurgically clad pipes, with a total weight of nearly 10 000 tonnes, has begun in June 2017. The order volume includes 24" line pipes, with TP 316L and Inconel 625 cladding. In addition, clad pipes in sizes 16" and 18" with Alloy 625 cladding will be manufactured for use as riser and topside pipes and spools for future development (Pre-Install).
The Tangguh Expansion project has a number of special technical features. Cord Lütkemüller, the project manager at BUTTING, explains: "We are processing doubly clad stainless steel plates, that is, with cladding on the interior and the exterior. This is necessary because the pipes will be used in the so-called 'splash zone'. The splash zone is an area subject to highest strains caused by tides and heavy swell, thus the surface conditions of offshore facilities require special attention." The scope of delivery also includes transporting the pipes to Indonesia.
Norbert Heinzle, BUTTING Managing Director, is looking to the challenge confidently: "Our innovatory strength and problem-solving skills are based on longstanding experience and teamwork, as well as on new ideas. We are strong in the fields of material and welding technology and in the completion of large-scale projects. We will demonstrate these qualities in this project as well."
BUTTING – Progress by Tradition