Use of composite materials in oil industry

Primena kompozitnih materijala u naftnoj industriji

Abstract

 The most frequently used composites for fabrication of primary and secondary constructions within the oil industry are made of epoxy, phenolic or polymer matrix combined with glass, carbon or aramid fibers. For fabrication of risers, thermoplastic polymers (polyethylene, polyvinyldenefluoride, and polyamide) are used, which are to be wound around steel reinforcement of riser. Polymer may be reinforced with glass or carbon fibers. Instead of thermoplastic polymers, epoxy matrix reinforced with carbon fibers may be used. The main challenge in this area of application of composite materials is to develop polymers whose operating temperature exceeds 120°C, as well as to completely avoid the usage of steel reinforcement. In order to construct pipe systems for fluid transport and tanks for their storage, the most frequently used are GRP (glass reinforced plastic) composites, also known as fiberglass composites. Those composites are made of standard plastic matrix reinforced with glass fibers. Plastic matrix within GRP composites is most commonly made of epoxy resin (GRE pipes) or vinyl-ester (GRVE pipes) and rarely of polyester. Further development of this technology has resulted in the development of hybrid composites: thermoplastic pipes reinforced with GRE composite and RTP (reinforced thermoplastic pipe) thermoplastic pipes reinforced with glass, aramid or carbon fibers. The challenge in the production of composite drill pipes is the production of large diameter pipes. Production tubings are usually made of GRE pipes or GRE pipes reinforced with carbon steel. The future of composite tubings lies in the development of epoxy resins that are able to maintain working ability during drilling at temperatures significantly higher than 100°C as well. Secondary constructions used in oil industry are produced of epoxy, vinyl-ester or phenolic matrix combined with glass fibers.