What do you do when a carbon steel pipeline replacement has to happen in a space too tight for a welding crew? At Pertamina EP, we answered that question without lighting a single torch.
PT Saka Nusa Persada completed a carbon steel pipeline replacement at Pertamina EP Zona 14 Klamono, in an area with extremely limited access. Instead of welding, our team used LOKRING® cold connection technology. As a result, the work finished safely, quickly and without hot work.
Project Background
The scope required removing and installing carbon steel piping where working space was severely restricted. Normally, welding needs room for equipment, worker movement and safety clearance. However, this site offered very little of each.
- Extremely narrow working areas
- Limited access for welding machines and heavy equipment
- Restricted worker mobility
- Higher safety risk from any hot work
The Challenge of Welding in Confined Spaces
Welding in a confined space brings limited ventilation, fire hazards and complex permits. Consequently, a conventional approach would have slowed the job and increased risk for everyone on site.
The Solution: LOKRING Cold Connection for Carbon Steel Pipeline Replacement
We installed LOKRING coldweld pipe fittings, a mechanical cold connection qualified to ASME B31 piping codes. Because the fittings join pipe without heat, they suit places where welding is impractical or unsafe.
- No welding or hot work, so no fire watch or hot-work permit was needed.
- Faster installation than welding, because there is no cooling or NDT step.
- Lower risk in a hazardous, crowded environment.
- Leak-tight, high-strength joints that meet ASME B31 requirements.
Faster Than Conventional Welding
A welded joint normally passes through surface preparation, welding, cooling, NDT and inspection. In contrast, a LOKRING joint is visually inspected right after installation. Therefore, the crew completed each connection in minutes and kept downtime to a minimum.
Safer Without Hot Work
Welding in narrow spaces raises the risk of fire, gas ignition, poor air circulation and fatigue. By removing welding altogether, the cold connection protected the crew while keeping pipeline integrity intact.
Results of the Carbon Steel Pipeline Replacement
The project showed how the right technology can overcome confined working areas and limited access. In short, Pertamina EP received a reliable, code-qualified connection, delivered faster and more safely than welding. You can learn more about the technology from LOKRING Technology, or see our LOKRING installation services.
Facing a similar replacement in a tight space? Request a technical assessment, and then we will plan a no-weld carbon steel pipeline replacement for your site.
