Victrex : Are thermoplastic composite pipes suitable for subsea operations in Brazil's pre-salt region?

Thornton Cleveleys (UK), 1 November 2019 - Subsea operations by the energy sector in extremely challenging locations such as Brazil's pre-salt region inevitably give rise to questions of material selection and engineering design. Steel-based pipe systems, including flexibles, invite the risk of additional corrosion, while extremes of water depth and production fluid chemistry severity require even greater design flexibility. Hybrid Flexible Pipes (HFP) offer the industry a compelling alternative solution which could enable these challenges to be overcome by combining the performance of a Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP) with conventional flexible technology. The choice of polymeric materials in HFP and their qualification is of paramount importance to successful deployment.

Knowing that materials selection for HFP solutions differs from that for flexible solutions, Dr Geoff Small, Head of Technology, Energy, at Victrex, explains: 'In flexibles, the loading on the polymeric components is low as it acts as an intermediate leakproof sheath, while in HFP's the role of the polymer is also to act as a protective liner/conduit, and most importantly as a matrix for the composite. To overcome technical challenges and assess solutions for deployment in Brazil's pre-salt region, the composite materials selection needs thorough assessment.'

An upcoming free webinar, 'Qualification of m-pipe® and Hybrid Flexible Pipe for deployment in Brazil's pre-salt region: composite materials selection to overcome technical challenges', co-hosted by Victrex and Smithers, with presenters from TechnipFMC and Magma Global, will focus on pressing issues and solutions, including:

• m-pipe® from Magma Global1)

• Hybrid Flexible Pipe from TechnipFMC

The evolution, qualification and operational history of m-pipe will be examined since it is a pioneering product in the design and construction of HFP, based on carbon-fibre-reinforced VICTREX™ PEEK polymer.2) From the outset, m-pipe demonstrated that composites could operate at impressive depths and under great pressure, without the risk of corrosion that inevitably concerns investments in steel piping.

The webinar will discuss the environmental conditions found in the Brazil pre-salt fields and examine the general chemical resistance of all candidate polymers at these temperatures, and vitally will examine the impact of the presence of SCCO2 (super-critical CO2) on design loads and lifetimes.

These and other important and deeply informed insights will be provided by three industry experts:

• Dr Geoff Small, Head of Technology, Energy, Victrex

• Mick Mullan, Analysis & Qualification Manager, Magma Global

• Thomas Epsztein, Composite Materials Project Manager, TechnipFMC

Webinar: Save the date

'Qualification of m-pipe® and Hybrid Flexible Pipe for deployment in Brazil's pre-salt region: composite materials selection to overcome technical challenges' webinar registration

Tuesday, 5 November 2019

10:00 am BRT / 2:00pm GMT / 9:00am EST (45 minutes plus Q&A session)

Find out more at https://www.smithers.com/resources/2019/october/webinar-m-pipe-and-flexible-hybrid-pipe-brazil

1) m-pipe® is a registered trade mark of Magma Global Ltd.

2) PEEK, Polyetheretherketones such as VICTREX™ PEEK are a member of the PAEK, Polyaryletherketone, family of high-performance thermoplastics.

For further information, please contact:

Eileen Li, Marketing Communications Manager, [e-mail]

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About Smithers

Smithers is the global leader in rubber, plastics, polymer and composites testing, consulting and information products and events, with key focuses including the tire, industrial, transportation, consumer and medical industries. For more information, visit www.smithers.com.

About Magma Global Limited

Magma manufactures m-pipe®, a unique high quality, high strength and low weight carbon and VICTREX PEEK polymer pipe with a monolithic structure from bore to surface. m-pipe® provides superior performance in deep water and harsh offshore conditions, delivering significant reductions in risk and cost for offshore field development and operation. Find out more at www.magmaglobal.com

About TechnipFMC

TechnipFMC is a global leader in subsea, onshore/offshore, and surface projects. With their proprietary technologies and production systems, integrated expertise, and comprehensive solutions, TechnipFMC are transforming the clients' project economics. To learn more go to www.technipfmc.com

About Victrex

Victrex is an innovative world leader in high-performance PEEK and PAEK polymer solutions focusing on the strategic markets of automotive, aerospace, energy (including manufacturing and engineering), electronics and medical. Every day, millions of people use products and applications containing our materials - from smartphones, airplanes and cars to oil and gas operations and medical devices. With over 40 years' experience, we are developing world leading solutions with PEEK and PAEK-based polymers and selected semi-finished and finished parts which shape future performance for our customers and our markets and drive value for our shareholders. Find out more at www.victrex.com

CONTACTS

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[e-mail], Tel. [phone] / 96 49 19

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