Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: Potters Industries | Subject: Sphericel 34P30
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 18 April 2005
Hollow glass microspheres add buoyancy
The newest addition to Potters Industries' line of lightweight spherical additives for subsea applications is the 30 micron hollow glass microsphere.
The newest addition to Potters Industries' line of lightweight spherical additives for subsea applications is the 30 micron hollow glass microsphere Called Sphericel 34P30, these hollow glass microspheres are used in the manufacture of syntactic foam buoyancy modules and thermal insulation materials for offshore oil and gas industry applications
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 18 Apr 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Their high strength to weight ratio, small size and narrow particle size distribution make them ideal for high-performance buoyancy applications and deep sea pipeline insulation.
Distributed buoyancy modules are a critical component of deep-water drilling operations.
The buoyancy element of the module, normally supplied in two identical halves, fits around an internal clamp that securely locks the module axially on to the riser.
"The purpose of the buoyancy element is to generate an upthrust to the flexible riser", explains William Shaker, Market Development Manager of Polymer Additives at Potters Industries.
"When high performance Sphericel 34P30 hollow glass microspheres are formulated within an epoxy resin, they create a very low density, high strength syntactic foam which significantly reduces the possibility of failure offshore either during handling or in operation".
Syntactic foams were specifically developed for deep-water applications and are designed to withstand the massive operating pressures experienced at deep-water depths, as well as the rigors of the offshore operating environment.
In addition to distributed buoyancy modules, Sphericel 34P30 hollow glass microspheres are used in subsea thermal insulation materials for high temperature deep-water applications.
They are formulated with various resins to provide high insulative properties and buoyancy for a wide range of project requirements.
"The application of thermal insulation to subsea oil and gas equipment ensures a high production rate by maintaining high oil temperatures and increased flow", explains Shaker.
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