Water depths, seabed conditions, high pressures and high temperatures are all factors that are considered when designing systems for the extraction of hydrocarbons in deep and ultra-deepwater fields.
Production elements including risers, flowlines and pipelines are particularly prone to temperature reduction, creating the potential for wax and hydrate formation.
Hydrocarbons can reach the wellhead at temperatures of 50-90ºC and typically comprise of a mix of gases, paraffinic material, waxes and, frequently, water.
As the hydrocarbons travel through the system it is inevitable that temperatures will fall, potentially causing wax and gas hydrates to precipitate and become deposited on the flowline walls. This, of course, will lead to flow rate depletion and, ultimately, choking.
To counter these challenges, Balmoral Offshore Engineering has developed Balmoral Flowtherm and Balmoral FlowthermPlus.
Balmoral Flowtherm™ and Balmoral FlowthermPlus™
Balmoral Flowtherm and Balmoral FlowthermPlus represent two grades of pumpable liquid that demonstrate insulation properties typically found in rigid solid polymer and syntactic systems.
They are gel-based thixotropic materials used to provide insulation and buoyancy in a variety of subsea applications including uplift and insulation in riser towers and can assist with tow-out and installation procedures.
Engineering design and materials development
Balmoral’s technical team has earned a reputation for delivering the right solution to the right place at the right time.
For more than 20 years the company’s experienced scientists and technologists have provided combinations of insulation and buoyancy to assist in the exploration and exploitation of ever deeper waters and ever harsher environments.
The company’s R&D programme has evolved to include material innovation and, in conjunction with process engineers and technicians, the optimisation of production processes and control techniques designed to improve safety, quality and productivity.
The technical team is available to discuss your project requirements at any time.
