Following successful work at Kingfisher Oil Field, EA Piling were contracted to install 180 conductor pipes for Total Energies’ Tilenga Oil Field. Employed by main contractor Mota Engil, this project pioneered new construction methods in Uganda.

Preparatory works included the cutting, welding, and ultrasonic testing of 47 conductor pipes from Client existing stock, the final result being 28m length, 18 5/8-inch diameter  steel pipes, ready to be installed.

We concurrently drilled 800mm diameter vertical shafts supported by temporary casings to prevent the side collapse of weak soils. We then lifted the pipes vertically into the open bores and concreted the annulus around the outside. Our custom-made guidance frame ensured that the pipes were fitted to within 0.25 degrees vertically, and to within 100mm of coordinate position.

The remaining conductor pipes have Buttress Threaded Connections (BTC), are 18 5/8-inch diameter and are 28m in length. These conductor pipes are being installed by screwing the BTC connections together using specialised hydraulic power tongs and pipe handling tools, in accordance with API specifications.

EA Piling’s fleet of cranes, piling rigs, concrete pumps, trucks and auxiliary equipment performed admirably during the project, impressing the client with our quality work and our rate of progress which exceeded the project programme and expectations.

Our equipment and staff all conformed to Total Energies’ strict quality and safety policies and well as regulations to minimise disturbances within the Murchison Falls National Park.