Solvay Specialty Polymers' KetaSpire Resin Achieves NORSOK M-710 Compliance For Use In Oil And Gas Applications

Solvay Specialty Polymers' semi-finished tubes made of its KetaSpire KT-820 NT polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin have achieved NORSOK M-710 compliance for use in highly demanding oil and gas applications.

According to Solvay, ATO has manufactured the semi-finished tubes using its STABIL Hot Compression Moulding process. Following the certification of KetaSpire PEEK, ATO unveiled plans to specify the high-performance polymer for additional products distributed under its STABIL label, including bearings, seals and back-up rings that target critical oil and gas equipment and installations.

Solvay explains that NORSOK standards are an internationally recognised set of testing methodologies originally developed by the Norwegian petroleum industry. The M-710 standard specifically defines requirements for critical non-metallic (polymer) sealing, seat and back-up materials for permanent sub-sea applications.

Element Hitchin, an independent testing and analytical laboratory (formerly known as Materials Engineering Research Laboratory, or MERL) based outside London, UK, evaluated KetaSpire KT-820 NT PEEK according to NORSOK M-710 multi-phase sour service conditions, in fluid at 10 percent hydrogen sulfide, 5 percent carbon dioxide and 85 percent methane at 10 MPa (100 Bar) and at test temperatures of 200ºC (392°F), 210ºC (410°F) and 220ºC (428°F). The exposure testing spanned 49 days and periodically measured swelling and tensile properties of the KetaSpire KT-820 NT resin samples. The tests showed Solvay's high-performance PEEK delivered very good resistance to sour gas and no measurable chemical deterioration during the test period.

"As the sealing industry continues to specify very high performance, quality and durability, we are excited to collaborate with Solvay as an innovative global supplier of PEEK resins," said Davide Polloni, Business Export Manager for ATO. "Our relationship ensures access to cutting-edge new materials as well as Solvay's industry-leading technical expertise as ATO seeks to develop advanced solutions for challenging oil and gas applications."

"KetaSpire KT-820 NT resin's qualification under NORSOK M-170 further highlights Solvay's commitment to work with suppliers within the sealing industry to help support and develop next-generation materials solutions," said Art Tigera, Business Development Manager for Ultra Polymers at Solvay Specialty Polymers. "We look forward to continued collaboration with ATO to further cultivate our advanced polymer materials into reliable, new solutions for the global oil and gas industry."

Solvay claims that KetaSpire PEEK is one of the industry's most chemically resistant plastics and offers an exceptional combination of strength and toughness, along with superior fatigue resistance and a continuous-use temperature of 240°C (464°F). It says it also exhibits high purity and consistent high quality in processing and part performance. Glass fibre-reinforced and carbon fibre-reinforced grades provide a wide range of performance options for demanding applications.