STRATVIEW RESEARCH BLOG

STRATVIEW RESEARCH BLOG

Solvay Partners with Baker Hughes for Increasing Use of Composite Materials in Offshore Flexible Pipes of Oil and Gas

Solvay Partners with Baker Hughes for Increasing Use of Composite Materials in Offshore Flexible Pipes of Oil and Gas

Solvay has announced its signing of a partnership agreement with Baker Hughes for implementing thermoplastic composite materials in offshore flexible pipes and risers used in the oil and gas industry. Solvay is now heading towards use its expertise of composite materials and polymers along with the expertise of Baker Hughes in oilfield equipment to accelerate the implementation of composite technology in the current oil and gas industry. As per the research and analysis, thermoplastic composites can be a great option for flexible risers in ultra-deepwater as it will be lesser expensive in comparison to the conventional technologies.

It’s a privilege to work with one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. Our collaboration with Baker Hughes is a landmark in our strategy to expand the use of thermoplastic composites into new markets, leveraging its lightweight and non-corrodible properties versus metal,” said Augusto DiDonfrancesco, member of Solvay’s executive committee.

Andrea Fibbi, Technology Executive, Oilfield Equipment, Baker Hughes said: “We believe this partnership with Solvay will accelerate the introduction of non-metallic materials in the energy industry at a time where we are increasing our focus on reduced cost and improved efficiencies.”

A flexible pipe is a hollow structure designed to transfer fluids or liquids such as oil from one location to another. It is widely used in offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration as well as in the production process. As per a report published by Stratview Research, Offshore applications dominate the market and are expected to maintain its dominance over the next five years as well.

Technological advancements are serving the evolution of flexible pipes. Corrosion is one of the significant downsides allied with metal piping systems. It ensures both inside and outside the pipe; thus, significantly impeding the hydraulic efficiency.

Thermoplastic composite pipes are known for the properties of flexibility and lighter weight in comparison to the conventional equipment. Thus, it is much convenient in installing and connecting the new equipment quickly and that too at a much lesser cost. Apart from this, also these pipes are very much low in maintenance as the composites are also non-corrosive in nature and can offer amazing fatigue resistance even in the extreme depth of water.  

Source: Solvay