Published
2023-08-23
Categories

In response to an increasing demand for control lines in the energy sector, Alleima USA is ramping up its coiled tubing capacity to ensure swift delivery times. Driven by renewed downhole O&G activity, all manufacturers are under pressure to be faster and more agile. Alleima USA is rising to this challenge by expanding its capabilities, investing in advanced equipment, and cultivating a skilled workforce.

A long legacy in Oil & Gas

Alleima’s expertise in producing seamless control lines from austenitic stainless steel, duplex stainless steel and nickel alloy tube is well established. With a long history of collaboration with major oil and gas companies, Alleima has been a key player in shaping the industry. Its roots trace back to Sandviken, Sweden, in 1862, and it maintains a strong US presence, from Houston to its tube mill in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

“In 2023, we saw a turning point in demand for control lines.”

Leandro Finzetto
General Manager

2023 shift in control line demand

“In 2023, we saw a turning point in demand for control lines,” says Leandro Finzetto, General Manager. “The pandemic is well behind us; supply chains have been re-established and we are witnessing favorable activity in the oil and gas sector. Basically, the industry is bouncing back and, to maintain our reputation as a dependable supplier of advanced materials, we needed to invest in our control line hub in Houston.”

Enhancing agility at the Houston hub

As the central hub within Alleima’s global network of control line services centers, the Houston office was first to notice an uptick in demand. It responded quickly to new orders from traditional offshore fields in the Gulf of Mexico as well as from regions like Brazil and the Middle East. Finzetto notes, “Our customers demand prompt and efficient supplies.”

Tapping into a growing market

Leandro Finzetto’s outlook aligns with that of Market Watch, a financial analysis firm, which forecasts substantial growth in the global downhole control lines market from 2023 – 2030. Factors driving this growth include the increasing depth, pressure, heat and corrosiveness of wells, necessitating smarter completion solutions.

Fully integrated manufacturing

“Overall, we’re seeing growing interest in long continuous coils for hydraulic control of wells and use of chemical injection in aggressive conditions,” says Finzetto. To assure customer of the highest quality, he says the company offers a unique fully integrated manufacturing process, from melt to final tube. But that’s not all. It also provides in-house flushing, filling, pressure testing and encapsulation for control lines.

Removing those bottlenecks

Recent investments in the US have included upgrading coiling capacity at the Scranton, Pennsylvania tube mill as well as welding in X-ray and other new test equipment, staff training, building local stock and quality control measures at the Houston facility.

"The new investment allows us to be more agile around deliveries and dramatically reduce our lead times."

Leandro Finzetto
General Manager

Enabling swift deliveries through strategic investments

Leandro Finzetto underscores the significant of these investments, stating, “Our enhanced capabilities enable swift deliveries and substantial reduction in lead times.” He envisions Alleima as continuing to be the preferred supplier of comprehensive control line solutions, driving advancements across the entire industry.

Typical control line materials from Alleima

Grade UNS Number Seamless
Alleima 316L S31603 X
Sanicro® 41 (Alloy 825) N08825 X
Sanicro® (Alloy 625) N066225 X
SAF™ 2507 S32750 X
Sanicro® 28 N08028 X
Sanicro® 29 N08029 X

Other grades might be available upon request. Sizes range from OD ¼” to 1/2” stock standard. 1” upon request.

Services include:

  • Cut to length
  • Hydrotesting
  • Paint striping
  • Encapsulation