PROJECT ROLES

Service provider for Technical Features Contract 2

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Design of a “Flying Factory” build in situ service, carrying out welding works, NDT (Ultrasonics),

pipe coating, pipework installation, offsite design and fabrication of the Pipe Rolling system, 

welding design (Procedures to BS4515), full inspection and consultancy services. 

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

-  New Chelsea to Battersea gas pipeline to replace and upgrade large diameter gas mains throughout central London, running underneath the River Thames between the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Battersea Park

-  Installation of 600mm diameter, welded steel pipeline through the tunnel

-  Both TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) and MMA (Manual Metal Arc) welding methods used 

-  TIG welding was primarily used on the pipeline because it a cleaner process than MMA and provides a low Hydrogen weld, thus a lower risk of weld cracking due to high hydrogen content

-  MMA welding was used after TIG welding to complete the outer cord of weld

-  New concept ‘Flying Factory’ consisted of a temporary facility which combined the precision of off-site manufacture (standardised quality control) with the adaptability of site based working (flexibility, mobility and adaption to site specific circumstances)

​-  Long lengths of pipe were welded in the Flying Factory and then lifted in to the trench,  reducing risk by limiting the amount of welds that had to be carried out within confined spaces (trench or tunnel) 

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