East African LNG Onshore Pipeline — SAWL Line Pipe Inspection
Third-party inspection and expediting of SAWL line-pipe production for an East African LNG onshore pipeline — from plate through forming, tack welding and SAW to weldability testing and 100% NDT.
- 100%
- NDT coverage
- X60 / X65
- API 5L PSL-2 grades
- 5G
- Weldability test position
- Ø 2.0 mm
- Qualified filler wire
The Challenge
In SAWL pipe manufacturing for critical LNG service, a small deviation at the earliest tack-welding stage propagates through the entire weld seam — affecting NDT results, structural integrity and final acceptance. Every stage from plate preparation to release had to be verified against API 5L PSL-2 and project specifications.
Scope & Approach
Fabrication surveillance from plate to pipe
Our inspectors witnessed the SAWL production line at the manufacturing facility stage by stage — plate preparation, forming, fit-up and alignment, edge and bevel geometry, and tack welding (GMAW, N1 stage). Welding parameters (current, voltage, travel speed) were verified against the updated WPS (Ø 2.0 mm filler wire), with process stability and control confirmed through the automated welding system (HMI monitored) and full traceability of consumables and parameters.
API 5L PSL-2 weldability testing
To confirm field weldability, two ~500 mm sections from the first day's production were welded together in the 5G position using cellulosic electrodes (E7010-G for X60, E8010-G for X65), replicating pipeline girth-welding conditions — bevel preparation, heat input and preheat.
NDT & mechanical testing
Each test weld was subjected to 100% NDT (radiographic / ultrasonic) followed by mechanical testing: transverse tensile, Charpy impact (weld metal & HAZ), macro examination, hardness, and SSC testing for sour-service applications.
The Outcome
Every pipe advanced through production with verified weld integrity, full heat → plate → pipe → weld → NDT traceability and complete EN 10204 3.2 documentation — released for the Mozambique LNG onshore pipeline without rework bottlenecks.
Codes & Standards
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