Case Study
In February 2025, Bahia Gas completed a pipeline protection project in Ipiau, Brazil, to address coating damage at HDD transition points. PVC sleeves secured with shrink wrap had been previously installed by a different contractor and had failed to protect the 10″ API 5L Gr. B pipeline during pull-through operations. To enhance wear resistance and protect the 3LPE coating system at girth welds, BoreShield ARO® II outerwraps were applied. The solution provided rapid installation and superior abrasion resistance, and eliminated the need for rework.
Original 3LPE Coating
HDD Challenges
- Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) installations in midstream gas projects subject pipelines to severe abrasion, particularly at girth welds.
- Conventional protective systems, such as PVC sleeves and shrink sleeves, often fail under mechanical stress and soil load encountered during pull-through.
- Inadequate wear protection at weld joints increases the likelihood of corrosion and asset degradation should the primary coating be damaged during HDD installation.
- High humidity and aggressive soil chemistries in tropical regions, such as Bahia, exacerbate coating failures and reduce the effective lifespan of traditional sleeve systems.
Project Needs
- Protect girth welds from abrasion during HDD pull-through.
- Remediate failed PVC sleeves and shrink wrap systems.
- Allow for fast installation without the need for special tools or equipment.
- Provide durable wear resistance for 3LPE-coated HDD pipe.
BoreShield ARO® II Protects Brazilian Gas Pipeline...
Provided Protection
Despite mechanical stress and abrasive forces during HDD pull-through, BoreShield ARO® II delivered:
By absorbing mechanical energy and protecting critical weld areas, the BoreShield ARO® II outerwrap preserved coating integrity, reduced downtime, and outperformed previously used PVC-based solutions.
