CALtec flow loop

    This page provides information
    and technical specifications
    of the CALtec flow loop.
    To find out more about CALtec
    as a company, click on the
    CALtec icon.

CALTEC is a product development and exploitation company specialising in design, development and testing of hydrocarbon production related products. These include multiphase flow process technology, subsea production systems, HP/HT equipment, pigging operations, pumping and boosting equipment. The company provides specialist consultancy for these technologies, supported by a network of leading consultants in field development, optimisation and rehabilitation.

Technical Specification of Flow Loop

CALtec's new 10 inch pipeline test facility was officially opened by Energy Minister, Mr Tim Eggar, MP in December 1994. The flow loop was relocated from Cranfield to Aberdeen Offshore Technology Park with assistance from Scottish Enterprise and Grampian Enterprise. The project provides design information to enable the manufacture of higher efficiency pigs and the design of more economically viable pipeline systems. The facility is also available for companies who wish to carry out their own testing.

1. Pipeline configurations

Single shot, or simple launch/receive, (length 130 m)
Continuous Loop, or never-ending travel, (one loop length 260m)

2. Details of the pipeline

10" nominal bore, Schedule 40 Carbon Steel pipe
Actual bore, 254mm
All bends are 5 Diameter radius of curvature

3. Pressure ratings

Test pressure, 22.5bar
Design pressure, 15bar
Operating pressure, 10bar

4. Flowrates (in m/s, 10" pipe)

Water 3 to 4m/s (Single Shot or Continuous Loop)
Air 2 - 8m/s "controlled", using current compressor and sonic nozzle arrangement, air
flowmeter to 7m/s only (Single Shot only)

5. Instrumentation

13 Optical Pig Signallers (Locations to suit)
14 Mechanical Pig Signallers (Location to suit)
Up to 7 Pressure transducers (0 to 12bar)
Up to 3 Temperature transducers (-10 to 50C)
Flowmeters as above (See 4)

Further information, such as drawings, can be supplied on request.

CALTEC Flow Loop
The Innovation Centre
Aberdeen Offshore Technology Park
Exploration Drive
Bridge of Don
Aberdeen AB23 8GX
Telephone: +44 (0)1224 702777
Facsimile: +44 (0)1224 827017