As oil and gas extraction moves deeper and farther offshore, many technical challenges arise. Deeper wells are often produced with flowing wellhead temperatures in excess of 300 °F (150 °C), and equipment is subject to hydrostatic conditions nearing 5,000 psi (345 bar) hydrostatic pressure. Despite high temperatures of produced fluids, it is often necessary to insulate subsea production equipment and flowlines to prevent blockages such as hydrates and waxes that can form during shutdowns. Cost and weight make nonmetallic materials the best option for insulation; however, conventional nonmetallic wet insulation systems are limited in their temperature resistance. Design considerations must account for the fact that subsea systems are not easily replaced or repaired, thus, accepting significant degradation of insulation materials over time is not an option. Development of a testing methodology to prove fitness-for service of new nonmetallic insulation systems is underway, with a focus on testing to achieve accurate results to prove long-term maintenance of thermomechanical properties.
Development of nonmetallic insulation for high pressure and high temperature subsea performance
2014
8 Seiten, Bilder, Tabellen, 12 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Datenträger
Englisch
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