BP Amoco; BG Technology and Shell Global Solutions International are investigating the possible use of high strength steel linepipe of X 100 grade for the construction of pipelines. The study has been comprehensive and included a full metallurgical and mechanical characterisation of prototype X100 submerged arc welded linepipe from four manufacturers. As part of the material characterisation, fracture toughness tests have revealed a band of relatively low fracture toughness in the heat affected zones (HAZ) of the longitudinal seam welds. To ascertain if the low fracture toughness HAZ is an impediment in the use of X100, a fitness for purpose (FFP) assessment was conducted.
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