Marine Technology Reporter Blogs - thermoplastic

The development of pipes that can withstand high pressure, heat and corrosion in deepwater locations such as offshore Brazil and the GoM and WA is continuous. For many years steel piping dominated the O&G industry but with pre-salt projects beyond 2,000 meters deep and corrosive enhanced oil recovery techniques widely being used in the industry, pipeline manufacturers have been looking for more flexible and robust materials. France's Technip, which is a world leader in pipe manufacture, uses layered steel with a stainless steel or plastic lining for main offshore pipes. However, British engineering company Magma Global and Dutch company Airborne are pioneering composite pipes made from a fusion of high-end fibers and plastics which are up to 90% lighter than steel pipes and do not corrode.

Flexibras is Technip Brazil´s flexible manufacturing plant in Brazil and has been operational since 1986. In Brazil, Technip integrates the professional experience of two large engineering and manufacturing companies: Technip Brasil and Flexibras, the flexible pipe plant located in the city of Vitoria, in the state of Espirito Santo. Present in Brazil since 1976, Technip has 2,200 employees and contributes to the development of the Oil and Gas industry. With an Engineering Center in Rio de Janeiro and an operational base in Macaé, Technip offers services and technological solutions for the production of Subsea deepwater fields, Offshore facilities and Onshore processing units, providing full capabilities and a dedicated vessel for pipeline installation.