Offshore hydrocarbon exploration began in the 1850s, with significant milestones such as the first oil production in the Gulf of Mexico in 1938 and the North Sea exploration in the early 1960s. Since then, oil exploration and production have advanced from shallow to deep waters.
Offshore pipelines face numerous hazards, including extreme weather conditions, vessel collisions, trawl impacts, and pipeline spans. Corrosion, both internal and external, remains the most significant threat, accounting for nearly 48% of subsea pipeline failures. The costs associated with managing corrosion are a substantial portion of operating expenses in the offshore industry, particularly for aging pipelines. Different risk approaches are necessary to minimize these costs and improve the reliability and availability of the structures.
Safeguarding the structural integrity of subsea pipelines throughout their entire lifetime is challenging, especially beyond the original design lifetime. This article highlights how Oceanit’s DragX can provide the necessary assurance for critical offshore pipelines’ safe, continued operation.
DragX: The Ultimate Corrosion Inhibitor
Oceanit’s DragX is an omniphobic nanocomposite surface treatment designed to tackle the persistent corrosion issue in subsea pipelines. This innovative surface treatment creates a water and oil-repellent, low-friction surface that can be applied to long, in-situ pipelines and scaled to any pipe diameter. DragX is effective at a fraction of the thickness of conventional pipeline epoxy coatings, significantly reducing pipe wall drag resistance, preventing corrosion, and minimizing the adhesion and deposition of unwanted debris and impurities.
Benefits of DragX in the Oil & Gas Industry
Enhanced Pipeline Efficiency and Throughput: DragX improves pipeline efficiency by reducing drag resistance and pressure drop, leading to lower power usage for pumping. This increased efficiency translates to significant cost savings and extended pipeline life.
Reduced Maintenance Costs: By preventing corrosion and debris build-up, DragX decreases the need for frequent inspections, cleaning, and maintenance. This is particularly beneficial for aging pipelines, where maintenance costs can be substantial.
Environmental Compliance: Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DragX meets stringent environmental standards. Its application ensures pipelines operate safely and sustainably, mitigating the environmental impact of corrosion.
Proven Performance: Extensive testing at the Colorado School of Mines and other independent labs has demonstrated DragX’s superior performance in preventing microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) and reducing surface roughness. DragX-treated pipes show significantly less material loss and corrosion compared to untreated samples.
Addressing Offshore Pipeline Corrosion with DragX
The complexity of safeguarding the structural integrity of subsea pipelines, especially beyond their original design lifetime, necessitates advanced solutions. DragX’s unique approach has led to its adoption by more than 40 coatings companies worldwide. This surface treatment mitigates the risks associated with corrosion and enhances the overall operational efficiency of subsea pipelines. With DragX, companies can ensure the integrity of their pipeline infrastructure, thereby avoiding economic and environmental disasters.
In the oil and gas industry, maintaining the integrity of pipeline infrastructure is crucial. Innovations like Oceanit’s DragX are transforming the industry by providing advanced, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions. As manufacturers continue to develop eco-friendly and effective solutions, the market meets the rising demands of various end-user industries, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic growth.
For more information on how DragX can enhance your pipeline operations, reach out to our experts today.