The Pipeline Technology Center (Centro de Tecnologia em Dutos - CTDUT) plans to start this year four of the 14 projects currently in its portfolio. The main initiatives will be the opening of the Cathodic Protection Laboratory, expected to take place in March, as well as the construction of the 12” loop and the valve certification laboratory, which is expected to occur by the end of 2012.

The construction of the test pipeline will demand R$ 42 million in investments. The pipeline will be capable of operating with diesel, crude, and water and will be used for research and development of new equipment, tools, and systems for pipeline inspection and protection, among other tests and simulations.

Budgeted at US$ 3.6 million, the valve certification laboratory will have an area of approximately 400 m² to test piping equipment and accessories under extreme conditions. It will be the first Brazilian unit to meet the requirements set forth in Standard ABNT NBR 15827.

Also during this year, the 14” loop will be automated and its diameter increased to 16”. The test gas pipeline will allow testing of equipment and procedures, as well as training of operations personnel for the pipeline sector. The budget for the gas pipeline, which is currently in the design phase, has not yet been set. Both the installation and the pipeline will be financed by Petrobras and Finep.

New investments

According to executive manager of CTDUT, Arthur Braga, CTDUT members – a total of 45 among private companies and educational and research institutions – are expected to invest more and more in activities at the center. “Since it has been previously accredited at ANP and offers a wide range of services and projects, CTDUT has many opportunities on the horizon for 2012 and for the coming years,” he explained.

Braga also pointed out that Normative Instruction RFB No. 1,187/2011, created in August of last year, may generate new projects for CTDUT. The standard regulates the fiscal incentives for research and development activities relating to technological innovation, benefitting companies that invest in science and technology centers. “This entire scenario is quite positive for us,” he said.

In 2011, Logum, GTI (Gas Technology Institute), and Apolo Tubulars became members of CTDTU. A partnership was also formed last year with Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI), a Joint Industry Project. The agreement intends to bring foreign operators closer for use of CTDUT laboratories for testing their projects.

Source: Brasil Energia

Acess to the news click here