Serimax, a Vallourec subsidiary, providing on- and offshore welding solutions, has completed the welding scope for the gas landline project Tanap, which will transport gas from Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz field (Caspian Sea) to Europe via Turkey. The main pipeline which travels from East to West through Turkey reaches a total of 1850km, with 19km running under the Sea of Marmara. For this particularly project, Serimax deployed 15 stations equipped with the high-tech automated welding solution (Saturnax 051) and 4 Maxiluc2 re-rounder clamps to manage the steep slopes (up to 25° in remote areas).
The initial challenge was ensuring all necessary equipment was mobilised and ready to begin on-site qualifications over a tight four week time frame. The following welding of large diameter pipes (56”) with large thicknesses (19.5mm to 30mm) took place in a particularly demanding environment, crossing mountains up to a height of 2,500m and facing harsh climatic conditions such as severe cold (-25°C).
