Crude oil spillage: Panar urges NNPCL, oil companies to switch from expensive steel pipes to HDPE
Oredola Adeola
Oil companies operating in Nigeria including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company have been encouraged to increase the adoption of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe as a cost-cutting measure and corrosion resistance alternative to steel pipes, as a form of measure to reduce the environmental devastation in Nigeria’s crude-rich Niger Delta and annual spending on maintenance and pipeline repair.
Engr. Gabriel Awoleye, Marketing Manager, Panar Ltd made this known in an interactive session with EnergyDay at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.
EnergyDay’s check showed that Panar Group of Companies, a leading plastics manufacturer in Nigeria, has been producing quality HDPE including PPR pipes for clients including Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), oils producing States and Africa Development Bank (AfDB). The company’s factory located in Kano state, primarily manufacturing pressure pipes including PE 100- which is the highest quality material- based on the ISO 4427-2:2019 standard.
According to Awoleye, the pipes possess acceptable strength, durability, maintenance technique and can withstand aggressive environments especially in coastal communities across the Niger Delta region.
He said, “Panar is a giant in pipe manufacturing in Nigeria, we are ready to run impact, pressure rating, and temperature tests for product satisfaction.
“The HDPE pipe has the capacity to withstand any form of aggressive environmental pressure and impacts, especially in the coastal areas in the Niger Delta.
“For instance, in Ijaw-speaking communities in Nigeria. We have tested this pipe in the transportation of petroleum products in Igbokoda area, a coastal community in Ondo State. The pipes were well-fitted under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“All our pipes are project pipes manufactured in accordance with the needs and specifications of all our clients including oil companies and water agencies in state and federal government.
“Our pipes are manufactured based on the specifications of World Bank and African Development Banks, China Geo-engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Limited and other major industry players located in different parts of Nigeria.
“That is why we are recommended as a major manufacturer of pipes in other African countries, including Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, with contracts at an advanced stage to supply for companies in Sudan.
“Our pipes are exported to different parts of the other African countries, thereby generating foreign exchange for Nigeria, ” the Panar’s Marketing Manager said.
According to him, HDPE in moderate temperature and pressure applications, save up to 50 percent on installation costs and time when compared with what is required to install steel pipes.
He further encouraged the Nigerian oil-producing companies and service companies to adopt the use of Polyethylene (PE) HDPE pipes which he described as rustproof and break-resistant with the capacity to withstand harsh chemical environments.
He further noted that HDPE pipes in crude oil transportation are abrasion resistant and suited for different types of environments.
“It is leak-free joints, durable and cost-effective, possess lightweight properties and are resistant to hydrocarbon permeation.
“This allows HDPE pipe to last longer than alternative metallic pipe materials without the need for coatings, corrosion prevention treatments and constant repairs.
“HDPE pipe is inherently resistant to chemical attack and corrosion, which eliminates the risk of leakage. The interior of HDPE pipe is smooth which reduces oil and gas ability to build up on the pipe surface over time.
“PE pipe is semi-rigid to withstand high external loads. Its flexible nature expands with pressure surges that increase the life of the pipeline and have been used in the oil and gas exploration industry for years,” Awoleye said.
