Petrobras operations offshore Brazil at water depths of around 1,500 m saw the deployment of thermoplastic composite pipes by Strohm as part of its first field trials.
Conducted last month in the Campos Basin, the testing and engineering assessments have reflected exceptional durability under harsh offshore environment following a smooth installation process in lines with the standard flexible pipe installation vessels which Petrobras' fleet are originally equipped with.
During the trial run, Strohm's TCP followed the exact methodologies that drive conventional flexible pipes, while keeping the Brazilian market in mind.
The pipe has undergone crushing and deep immersion performance (DIP) tests, as well as subsea first and second-end vertical connection tests. As part of the process, the pipe was installed in a catenary configuration in which it was kept for 24 hours to assess its behaviour under normal operational conditions.
The tested TCP is suitable for post-salt wells and the tests results provided valuable learnings that will support the qualification of TCPs for pre-salt applications as well. Since the technology is resistant to stress corrosion cracking caused by CO₂ - one of the major challenges in the area, it shows strong potential as a definitive solution for the pre-salt cluster offshore Brazil
Furthermore, TCP has a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to conventional flexible pipes due to the materials used and its light weight, leading to lower transportation and installation costs. It can be installed using vessels currently available in the market, and further, due to its light weight, also enables simpler and more cost-effective installation methods to be deployed, such as the subsea pallet.
Renato Bastos, VP Brazil at Strohm, said, “This successful phase marks the culmination of a remarkable collaboration between Petrobras and Strohm throughout the last few months and the field trial results are proof of the innovation and quality that TCP brings to the industry. The technology has the potential to transform the global deepwater market and unlocks a huge potential for us in Brazil.
“This is the first offshore trial for Petrobras to include thermoplastic composite pipes, and it’s a testament to our companies’ longstanding relationship. The success of the field trial paves the way for wider adoption of our technology in the country, keeping us on track to fulfil our commitment to becoming the leading composite pipe supplier to Petrobras, as well as preparing for local production.”
Gustavo Calazans, Subsea Engineering General Manager, added, "This is an important milestone of our Subsea Industrialization Program in which Strohm is a key partner. This result strongly contributes to accelerate the installation of a new plant in Brazil bringing not only technological advances, but also competitiveness, an increase in local content, and cost reduction for Petrobras' projects. As the largest flexible pipe consumer in the world and with a strong demand forecast in the coming years, we welcome Strohm's entry into the Brazilian market with great expectations."
