Hello Pipe Enthusiasts!
In this edition of #BPIPipeInsights!, we will discuss two important terms in the oil and gas industry, namely onshore and offshore, and how steel pipes and casing play a role in supporting exploration and production operations.
Understanding Onshore and Offshore
- Onshore → oil and gas exploration and production activities carried out on land. Infrastructure includes onshore drilling wells, pipeline distribution networks, and processing facilities.
- Offshore → oil and gas exploration and production activities carried out at sea, ranging from shallow waters to deep seas. Infrastructure includes offshore drilling rigs, production platforms, and subsea pipelines.
Onshore Pipeline Specifications
For land pipelines (onshore pipelines), the standards commonly used are:
- API 5L Line Pipe (PSL1/PSL2).
- Grades: B, X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, up to X70.
Pipeline Minimum protection:
- FBE (Fusion Bonded Epoxy) as the base layer.
- Or 3LPE (Three-Layer Polyethylene) and 3LPP (Three-Layer Polypropylene) for higher thermal resistance.
Offshore Pipeline Specifications
For subsea pipelines (offshore pipelines), stricter standards are applied:
- API 5L PSL2 MO (Grades B, X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, up to X70)
- Additional standard: DNV-ST-F101 for submarine pipelines
Pipeline External protection:
- 3LPE (Three-Layer Polyethylene) Rough Coat for CWC application
- Concrete Weight Coating (CWC) for seabed stability
- Cathodic protection such as Sacrificial Anode System and Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)
- Neoprene Coating for dynamic areas
Role of Casing Pipes
In addition to pipelines, casing pipes are also crucial in oil and gas drilling:
- Onshore casing: lines the wellbore to prevent soil collapse, protect groundwater, and maintain drilling stability.
- Offshore casing: more complex, including conductor casing at the seabed to withstand initial loads.
- Casing standards: API 5CT (Grades H40, J55, and K55) depending on depth and pressure.
Conclusion
By understanding the differences between onshore and offshore, we can see how steel pipes and casing serve as the backbone of oil and gas infrastructure.
- Onshore pipelines → simpler, minimum protection with FBE, 3LPE, or 3LPP.
- Offshore pipelines → more complex, multi-layer protection (3LPE, CWC, cathodic protection, or Neoprene Coating).
- Casing → mandatory in both environments, with different specifications depending on land or sea conditions.
Bakrie Pipe Industries is committed to providing high-quality steel pipes that meet international standards (API, ASTM, DNV, JIS, SNI) to support national energy needs, both onshore and offshore. If you require steel pipes for onshore or offshore applications, trust Bakrie Pipe Industries for your solutions.
