As oil and gas operations move into deeper waters, there is a rising need for more reliable, cost-efficient and lower-risk subsea wet installation systems. Today, subsea production and tieback systems must handle higher material temperatures and pressures, as well as meet critical performance specifications for deepwater equipment. Such steps can help subsea systems avoid issues and failures caused by joint separation, cracking, degradation, hydrostatic crushing or improper application.

Applicators are seeking out robust, easier-to-apply insulation to help structural and thermal integrity, consistent processing, and quality control for the expected 20- to 25-year lifespan of oil fields. To extend cooldown times and achieve excellent flow assurance, Dow Oil, Gas & Mining has integrated existing HYPERLAST™ Technology with Dow Corning® brand silicone solutions to offer new XTI-1003 RTV Silicone Rubber Insulation.

Silicone Rubber Insulation Performance

As the first solid, non-syntactic, two-part silicone rubber system for subsea flow assurance applications, this technology offers both performance advantages and application benefits for a growing number of projects involving harsh subsea environments and equipment.

Performance advantages include thermal stability across a wide temperature range, good insulating properties for longer cooldown times, increased joint strength, high heat capacity, long-term flexibility, and resistance to extreme pressures. Easily mixed and applied using standard cast-in-place equipment and processes, the technology cures to a high-strength silicone rubber.

Success Story: Erha North

Subsea7 turned to Trelleborg Offshore’s advanced silicone insulation system, Vikotherm S1, which uses XTI-1003 RTV Silicone Rubber Insulation as a core raw material for their Erha North (Nigeria) subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines contract.

This material was selected because of its strong performance in HP/HT environments. In fact, the Vikotherm S1 system can effectively operate in depths of 3,000 m and in temperatures in excess of 135 degrees Celsius.

On insulation projects that are completed or in progress, Vikotherm S1 is used on components such as tapered stress joints, manifolds, pipeline end terminations, pipeline end manifolds, vertical connection systems, and subsea pump stations.

Leaders In Flow Assurance

With more than 530 completed pipeline projects over 30 years, Dow has established a reputation as a global flow assurance technology leader for both onshore and offshore options. Our advanced line of products now include HYPERLAST™ Glass Syntactic polyurethane materials and HYPERLAST™ FJ rigid polyurethane foam systems.

Dow’s systems and technologies for flowline insulation and subsea equipment are complemented by a comprehensive network offering customers global expertise and technical support.

Dow will be exhibiting at OTC from May 1-4 at NRG Park in Houston. Please meet with our experts at booth 1339, or visit our website www.dowoilandgas.com to learn more.

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