Case Study - Pre-insulated pipes for Petronas, Malaysia

The RAPID project in Malaysia has a jetty which is 2.5km long, with expansion loops which carry three LNG and several petrochemical product lines. The LNG lines were to be 42”, 30” and 8” in diameter.

Petronas and their subcontractors Samsung and Dialog decided to use FTI’s unique insulated piping system FibaShield, due to its constructional and cost benefits. The FibaShield system comprises PIR (polyisocyanurate) foam, PAP (polyester / aluminium / polyester) foil and reinforced polyester jacketing. 

In the engineering design phase, FTI was able to show AMEC FW that the FibaShield system could take higher loads than other alternatives. This meant that the requirement for HD supports was reduced by 85%, saving 30% of the budgeted costs. During construction, the FibaShield process meant that 80% of the insulation project was completed in the workshop rather than over water on the jetty. Unlike the assembly problems and rectifications normally needed with on-site insulation work, these pre-insulated pipes were then loaded into modules with just a small amount of cosmetic-only damage on a few pipes between workshop and module. 

Being able to complete an insulation project in the workshop in this way:

• Reduces Health and Safety risk
• Minimises schedule delays
• Helps quality control
• Avoids cost escalation

The FibaShield system can also be adapted to provide pool and jet fire protection for the insulated pipes, allowing this system to be used in process and loading / unloading areas.