A long term project to increase asset lifetime
Rehabilitating gas pipelines in Argentina
8th July 2022
Increasing asset lifetime
The privatization of the gas market in Argentina in December 1992, marked the birth of “Transportadora de Gas del Sur” – TGS. Since then, one of the main objectives has been to maintain and increase the volume of natural gas transported by the company, from south of the country to the consumption centers.
The replacement of coatings always represents, and did represent, a great challenge for TGS. Since 1992 replaced damaged pipe sections, optimized cathodic protection and replaced damaged coatings.
The transport capacity was increased using “parallel loops” to existing gas pipelines. In order to ensure the integrity of gas pipelines, TGS prepared the pipeline using sand blasting.
The work must be carried out with the gas pipeline in operation, lowering only approximately 10% the working pressure to comply with the corresponding safety protocols. Polyken 1027 liquid adhesive was applied first.
The rehabilitation operations require selecting a material that can be applied efficiently in the field and with the pipeline in operation. In addition, you must maintain the values of your properties in the long term. TGS selected and has been using the Polyken 980/955/1027 system since its inception.
Additionally, and since the natural gas market is regulated by the Argentine state, it is necessary to homologate and approve the materials under the regulations of ENARGAS (National Gas Regulatory Entity in Argentina). This approval lasts for two years and must be updated continuously in order to continue to be used by all gas transporters and distributors.
The project is ongoing with recertification every 2 years, offering vital long term infrastructure protection.
Protecting the future
Protecting the future
Protecting the future
220KM
of pipeline protection, on 30” and 36“ diameters
Polyken
Pipeline Tape Technology
>65years
OF BEING A WORLDWIDE RECOGNIZED COLD TAPE COATING MANUFACTURER
+90
COUNTRIES POLYKEN PRODUCTS ARE ACTIVELY SOLD IN, A TRUE GLOBAL PRESENCE
120°C
UNIQUE HIGH TEMPERATURE COLD APPLIED TAPE TECHNOLOGY UP TO 120°C (250°F)