Deep-water engineering

Citation

(2000), "Deep-water engineering", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 47 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2000.12847eab.001

Deep-water engineering

Deep-water engineering

Keywords Hyperlast, Pipelines, Protection, Coatings

As working oil fields become mature, competition becomes more intense and environmental goals become ever more ambitious, operators are seeking to develop new approaches in their quest for oil and gas, in particular exploring fresh fields in deepwater regions.

In response to this challenge, British polyurethane manufacturer Hyperlast Limited informs us that it has developed a range of materials able to withstand the harsh natural environment of deepwater engineering and which, it believes, will make a contribution to the advancement of offshore technology.

Building on the success of "Hyperlast"1 Syntactic 512, Hyperlast has reportedly extended the boundaries of pipeline insulation and protection materials to produce a new range of products designed to perform in the harsh conditions of deep water engineering from 500m to in excess of 3,000m depth. "Hyperlast" Syntactic DW-512 polyurethanes claims to offer a long-term solution for the insulation and protection of subsea systems, from wellhead to platform servicing depths of up to 600m, 1,500m and 3,000m.

According to Hyperlast, achievements to date have produced a system that will perform at depths in excess of 3,000m, verified by simulated service testing showing that coating thickness remains constant over time under hydrostatic conditions. These materials are reported to retain the properties of the original 512 material, in particular its elasticity, which enables DW-512 to be reeled.

The new materials are stand-alone, single-layer coatings that claim to combine exceptional physical protection against abrasion and corrosion, with exceptional adhesion and resistance to mechanical and thermal stress. There is said to be no restriction in the coating thickness and it can be applied either by moulding or rotational casting.

In addition to its use for thermal insulation of subsea flowlines, the DW-512 range is considered to be durable and versatile for use in a number of other applications such as manifolds, risers, spool pieces and field joints, maintaining flowline temperature. The "Hyperlast" Syntactic materials have reportedly been used all over the world, protecting many thousands of miles of pipeline, from the West Coast of Africa to the Gulf of Mexico.

For over three decades, Hyperlast has been active in the development and supply of customised polyurethane technology to the offshore pipeline industry, continuing to provide innovative engineering solutions to pipeline contractors and operators within the offshore industry. Hyperlast materials are used extensively throughout international waters by many of the industry's leading names including BP Amoco, Conoco, Exxon, Mobil, Shell, Statoil, Texaco and Total Fina Elf.

Details available from: Hyperlast Limited, Tel: +44 (0)1663 746518; Fax: +44 (0)1663 746605; e-mail: help@hyperlast.co.uk, Web site: www.hyperlast.co.uk