Use of Composite Materials in Protecting and Maintaining Subsea Equipment

This paper summarizes many years of experience in designing and testing composite materials for use on offshore oil and gas pipelines and production equipment. It is the authors’ position that properly designed coatings and coverings can materially extend the life and safety of subsea equipment, whereas improper design can often contribute to premature failure and endanger both equipment and personnel. The principal applications of the authors’ research fall into four areas: (1) Buoyancy – providing buoyant lift to offset excessive weight of equipment in water; (2) Controlled Strength – providing precision compressibility to mitigate possible downhole annular pressure damage (3) Insulation – providing thermal protection against heat loss; and (4) Corrosion Protection – ensuring that all coatings work with (rather than against) cathodic protection systems. The potential for catastrophic damage in any or all of these areas is increasing daily as production moves into deeper water and hotter, higher-pressure wells. The paper presents case studies, cites test evidence, and suggests guidelines for designing composite materials that enhance safety in each of the subject areas. The resulting information will be useful to engineers, supervisors, and managers whose responsibility includes offshore design, maintenance, and safety.