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Pipeline technology
Transportation of crude and processed hydrocarbon products to and from refineries brings its own set of challenges. This includes thermal considerations, such as the need to suitably insulate the pipeline/tanks from the cryogenic (LNG) or high temperature (>120 °C) products being transported as well as to provide suitable corrosion and weather resistance. Our materials can help alleviate these challenges, due to the insulating nature of polymers. A number of our materials are suitable for prolonged use at cryogenic temperatures; with other grades suitable for high temperatures (+150 °C) and some even suitable for use up to +500 °C. This is coupled with polymers naturally low thermal conductivity, meaning they are excellent insulators. Corrosion protection of equipment and pipeline support structures, by replacing metallic components with thermoplastics and composites can also lead to increased part lifetimes.
Your advantages
- Long-lasting: Resistant to corrosive salt water, oil, gas and resources
- Low maintenance due to wear resistance and tribological properties
- Corrosion and weather resistant
- Weight reduction allows easier install/access
- Noise reduction during operation
Typical applications
- Pipe-in-pipe centralisers
- Pipe-lay equipment (diablo rollers)
- Pipe supports (topside and subsea)
- Thermal insulation
- Corrosion protection
- Fasteners
Product examples
Diablo rollers
During offshore pipe installation, metallic diablo rollers can lead to potential damage to the corrosion resistant coatings of pipelines. To help mitigate this, switch from metallic diablo rollers to SUSTAMID 6G (PA 6G) with the increased ductility of the engineering plastic limiting potential pipeline damage. SUSTAMID 6G has additional benefits including a low coefficient of friction and excellent wear resistance as well as excellent impact resistance. Whilst also offering significant weight advantages compared to steel (approx. 1/7th the weight). Materials suitable for ATEX environments as well as self-lubricating forumalations are also possible. More information about SUSTAMID 6G
Pipe-in-pipe centralisers
In touch with the needs of the industry, we have developed a proprietary High Friction Eliminator (HFE) centraliser/spacer design to further reduce friction between the centraliser/spacer and the outer pipe. The significant reduction in the coefficient of friction compared to standard nylon centralisers/spacers – potentially allows the cost efficient creation of pipeline sections twice as long as those currently assembled. Contact us to find out more about HFE centralisers.
Durostone® fasteners
In offshore environments, oxidation of fasteners can rapidly happen, unless costly titanium or super duplex grades are used. An alternative to these are our Durostone® fasteners, which are not affected by oxidative degradation like steel. Durostone® Fasteners offer high strength and are naturally corrosion resistant, as well as highly weather and chemical resistant, but also weight approximately 75% less than an equivalent sized steel fastener. More information about Durostone® fastener
Insulating load bearing pipe supports
Durolight®, a fibre reinforced insulating composite was designed and developed to meet the thermal and mechanical requirements of load bearing supports in LNG applications. The very low thermal conductivity and ability of this material to operate in environments with temperatures from 196 °C to +200 °C (-320 °F to 392 °F) make it an excellent choice for insulation of pipelines and also for use as thermal breaks within the Oil & Gas industry. Durolight® is naturally flame retardant & halogen free, resistant to weathering, abrasion and wear. With these exceptional properties having led to Durolight® being approved by such companies as Bechtel Corp, Linde AG and Tractebel S.A./N.V. More information about Durolight®
(Picture printed with kind permission of Pipe Support Ltd.© 2003)
Tube Guide/Pipe supports
Pipe supports and tube guides made our of thermoplastic materials like SUSTARIN C, Polystone® M and SUSTAPEEK offer you a number of advantages over traditional metal alternatives. With thermoplastic materials being naturally corrosion resistant, having low coefficients of friction and a ductile nature being of benefit when clamped around pipelines/ umbilical’s. These advantages combine to increase the ease of operation of the equipment. More information about SUSTARIN C, Polystone® M and SUSTAPEEK
Arrange technical advice
The performance and reliability of materials used in the design for pipelines are influenced by a variety of factors. These criteria need to be considered in order to make the right choice. Examples:
- Extreme weather conditions (UV) and abrasion (sand/waves).
- Contact with corrosive seawater.
- Tribological requirements (friction and wear).
- Mechanical demands.
- Thermal cycling/exposure to both high and low temperatures.
- Exposure to demanding hydrocarbon fluids, (H2S, production fluids, greases).
We are happy to advise you on the selection of suitable materials for your particular application. Just use our contact form at the bottom of the page and write to us.
