The Solvay Group has signed a partnership with Baker Hugues to develop innovative solutions using thermoplastic materials in flexible pipes and offshore risers for the Oil & Gas industry.
Solvay’s expertise in composite materials, its leadership and innovation in polymers, coupled with Baker Hughes’ expertise in oilfield equipment, will accelerate the adoption of composite technology in the industry oil and gas, the specialty chemicals group insists in a statement issued on November 6, 2019.
Flexible and lighter than conventional equipment, thermoplastic composite pipes facilitate installation and connection operations. As they are not subject to corrosion, their maintenance is also simplified and they offer superior resistance to use, even in very deep water, adds Solvay.
This collaboration with Baker Hughes “is an important milestone in our strategy to expand the use of thermoplastic composites in new markets, taking advantage of their lightweight and non-corrosive properties compared to metal,” commented Augusto. Di Donfrancesco, member of the Executive Committee of Solvay.
“We believe that this partnership with Solvay is accelerating the introduction of non-metallic materials into the energy industry as we focus on reducing costs and improving efficiency,” he said. Andrea Fibbi, Head of Oil Equipment Technology, Baker Hughes Group.
In October 2019, the Solvay group announced the opening of two new research and innovation centers dedicated to thermoplastic composites. The first in the United States, Alphaparetta (Georgia) and the second in Brussels (Belgium).