Current demand for corrosion resistant alloys for oil and gas production is unprecedented, according to Matt Loffman, associate director, Rigs & Wells, Westwood. Demand for special pipe will likely remain high over the next five years, with the oil and gas industry in investment mode. Due to concerns over clad pipe capacity limitations, and associated capacity for substrate material, demand will also likely grow for weld overlay CRA pipe, he suggested.
The broader demand/supply imbalance is affecting pricing, material selection, and project schedules, and alternate CRA pipe manufacturing methods, including mechanically lined and solid alloy pipe, look set to feature in projects that in former times would have employed carbon or clad pipe, he concluded.
