Innovative solutions need to lower operating costs while not compromising safety
In the second annual roundtable hosted by Trelleborg, industry experts agree that the silver lining in the low barrel price is the willingness of the industry to embrace innovative solutions that can lower overall costs while not compromising safety. The roundtable explored issues raised from Trelleborg’s 2017 ‘Next Level Report’ that gathered views from individuals involved in the offshore oil & gas industry.
On the roundtable for Trelleborg was Antony Croston, Business Group Director of Trelleborg’s offshore operation in Houston. He said, “Adversity creates innovation and brings people together. With less activity in the industry, people have more time to investigate solutions and are more receptive to new innovations, but a key first step is defining the needs of the customer. Forward thinking companies are taking the time to spend money upfront to be more efficient in the long term.
Advantages of the Internet of Things
“The Internet of Things is a great idea. The limitation we have in the oil and gas industry includes what we do with our data. As an industry we are just getting to grips with what we can obtain and there is lots of data being acquired right now. We need to figure out how we can use the data and how we can make efficient decisions based on it. When we discuss the Internet of Things and machines talking to each other, being an intelligent system, I think that is quite a distance away for offshore oil and gas.â€
In light of these challenges and opportunities, events like the SPE Offshore Europe are central to sharing knowledge. At this year’s show, Trelleborg will highlight some of the ways in which the market can improve safety through collaboration and innovation, optimize productivity and retain competitiveness as barrel prices recover.
Multi-functional Designs
Looking ahead to September, Trelleborg will introduce its new Standardized Buoyancy Module system at SPE Offshore Europe. This innovative ‘off the shelf’ solution can be adjusted to operate in seawater depths from surface to 2,500 meters by adding or removing elements based on customer specifications. The new ‘off the shelf’ option reduces lead times and costs for customers looking for quality buoyancy with a quick delivery.
Jonathan Fox, Senior Product Development Engineer with Trelleborg’s offshore operation, states: “We recognized a requirement to deliver buoyancy products in less time for projects with short lead times. Because the product consists of known volumes and up thrusts, we are putting the upfront engineering into the hands of our customers, reducing the time needed to achieve an approved product design. In addition, we were able to ease handling of the buoyancy modules by incorporating synthetic rubber feet to the bottom of the finished assembly to prevent handling damage and reduce assembly time.â€
Advanced Compounds
Trelleborg will also announce the introduction of three technically advanced multi-purpose perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) compounds for oil & gas applications. Developed to be compatible with virtually all chemical media and over the widest temperature range possible, the newest Isolast®formulations provide real benefits and cost advantages with optimum sealing reliability and extending service life.
Eric Bucci, Oil & Gas Segment Manager at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions says: “Trelleborg is exceptional at solving complex challenges for its customers as demonstrated by its newest innovation of Isolast®FFKM compounds that surpass traditional thermal, chemical and high temperature steam resistant limitations. Trelleborg has built its reputation on listening to customers and delivering advanced engineering, high quality, performance and safety.â€
Safety Critical
With safety a priority Trelleborg delivers many material grades that are compliant with international industry standards and have been subjected to comprehensive third-party testing, qualifying materials from elastomers to PEEK- and PTFE-based compounds to a range of specifications including NORSOK M-710, ISO 23936-2, ISO 10423/API 6A Annex F.1.13.5.2 and Total GS EP PVV 142. Test data for over 30 of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions best-in-class materials for the oil and gas market can also be found online at its dedicated microsite, www.oilandgas-seals.com.
In addition, Trelleborg’s offshore operation is working to certify its flexible pipe ancillary equipment to industry standard API 17L, which determines the minimum requirements for the design, material selection, manufacture, documentation, testing, marking and packing of flexible pipe ancillary equipment. Trelleborg’s offshore operation currently holds API certificates for bend restrictors, bend stiffeners, distributed buoyancy modules and Uraduct®. All certificates can be found online on our API 17L Certificates page.
SPE Offshore Europe 2017
Trelleborg will exhibit its range of innovative offshore solutions at SPE Offshore Europe 2017 in hall 1 on stand 1H81. Products are designed with quality, performance and efficiency front of mind and include high performance buoyancy, insulation, passive fire protection, and sealing solutions.
Trelleborg Group
Trelleborg is a world leader in engineered polymer solutions that seal, damp and protect critical applications in demanding environments. Its innovative solutions accelerate performance for customers in a sustainable way. The Trelleborg Group has annual sales of SEK 31 billion (EUR 3.23 billion, USD 3.60 billion) and operations in about 50countries. The Group comprises five business areas: Trelleborg Coated Systems, Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Trelleborg Offshore & Construction, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems, and the operations of Rubena and Savatech. In addition, Trelleborg owns 50 percent of Vibracoustic, the global market leader within antivibration solutions for light and heavy vehicles. The Trelleborg share has been listed on the Stock Exchange since 1964 and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Large Cap. www.trelleborg.com.
