Baker Hughes, Primus Line collaboration drives non-metallic composite pipeline applications

Baker Hughes (Houston, Texas, U.S.), a global energy technology company and manufacturer of the Onshore Composite Flexible Pipe, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with pipe supplier Primus Line (Cham, Germany) to collaborate on non-metallic fiber-reinforced composite pipe applications to rehabilitate and repurpose existing pressure pipelines. This will offer both company’s combined customer base more cost-effective options for pipeline repair and replacement, as well as the repurposing of existing pipeline networks for hydrogen and CO₂ transportation.

“This MoU marks a pivotal milestone in our growth strategy for non-metallic composite pipes, as we continue to invest in this area and position the company in new energy frontiers to advance the energy transition,” says Hatem Haidar, vice president onshore flexible pipeline solutions for Oilfield Equipment at Baker Hughes. “Together we have the capability to unlock opportunity for customers by extending the life of their existing pipeline systems and offering an economic alternative for repurposing pipelines for transportation of new fuels like hydrogen and CO₂.”

Under the agreement, Baker Hughes and Primus Line will collaborate on commercial models and joint customer offerings to drive non-metallic composite pipeline growth in the pipeline integrity management market. By leveraging Baker Hughes’ scale and extensive pipe portfolio with Primus Line’s deep domain expertise and existing customer base in trenchless pipeline rehabilitation, the companies will reportedly offer unmatched turnkey solutions for pressure pipeline rehabilitation and repurposing projects in the oil and gas and industrial sectors.

Pipeline rehabilitation is a process in which non-metallic composite pipe is pulled through existing pipeline infrastructure to reduce the need for full excavation, trenching and permitting. The collaboration will enable more pipeline projects to move forward by reducing project risks, minimizing community disruptions and creating opportunities for transport of lower carbon fuels.

“We are proud to welcome Baker Hughes as a partner we will work with to expand our capabilities as a prime solution provider to our customers,” adds Werner Rädlinger, CEO and owner at Primus Line. “Regardless of difficult global market and operating conditions, Primus Line continues to expand its capabilities through this strategic collaboration, which creates synergies between both the engineering and business development efforts of both organizations, ultimately creating a product offering, technical support and installation network unlike anything else seen in the trenchless rehabilitation market today.”