Thermosetting cross-linked hydrocarbon polymer maintains structural integrity in deepwater operating environments as an incompressible solid at water depths greater than 10,000 feet (illustration: Materia, Inc.)

Materia, Inc., in conjunction with Aegion Corporation, has been selected by Shell Offshore, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell), to supply pipeline insulation materials for the Appomattox development in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

The insulation system is unique among existing polymers in its ability to provide an effective thermal barrier between flowlines and seawater. The thermosetting cross-linked hydrocarbon polymer maintains structural integrity in deepwater operating environments as an incompressible solid at water depths greater than 10,000 feet. This advanced insulation technology can also be rapidly and safely applied in the factory or the field.

Chuck R. Gordon, Aegion’s president and chief executive officer, says, “The collaboration with Materia will leverage their leading polymer insulation technology, Bayou’s world class coating, logistics and prefabrication capabilities, and Bayou Wasco’s pipe insulation technology for the safe and efficient transportation of crude oil from deepwater oil field developments in the Gulf of Mexico.”

Dr Michael Giardello, co-founder and senior advisor to Materia, says, “Shell’s safety and performance requirements were rigorous. We were charged with supplying pipeline insulation materials that met their performance requirements, while greatly reducing the complexity of the system.”

Nitin Apte, Materia’s president and chief executive officer, states, “Materia’s thermal insulation provides a simple and cost-effective solution to the challenges of deepwater oil and gas production. We greatly value this relationship with Shell and Aegion, and look forward to solving the thermal insulation challenges for future deepwater projects.”

Tags: Materia Inc.