Over the past five years Victrex has become involved in a number of development programs for the Oil and Gas Industry which have required the use of high performance pipes for reliably conveying a range of aggressive fluids in demanding applications. In the absence of any existing suppliers, the development of a process to manufacture long continuous Victrex~R PEEK~(TM) pipes in a range of diameters from 1/4" to 8" fell to the Global Applied Technology Team at Victrex. The responsible team has consequently developed a process for the manufacture of PEEK pipes in continuous lengths of up to 3000m and with very high tolerances that frequently exceed those of the more commonplace pipes and piping materials. Furthermore, the very high quality internal surface finish results in low friction and a range of additional benefits. Together with the process development, VICTREX has made detailed studies of the properties of these pipes covering a range of performance indicators from mechanical properties to chemical and permeation resistance through to post processing such as welding. These studies indicate exceptional performance compared to 'conventional' pipe materials. Development of this process and measurements of performance has introduced VICTREX Pipes~(TM) into a range of application developments for Industrial, Oil and Gas and Transportation industries: these range from high performance hoses for conveying volatile fluids at high temperature, pressure bearing light weight pipes, through linings which compete with corrosion resistant alloys in production tubing and large flow lines, bonded composite pipes and high performance flexible lines. In all cases Victrex PEEK pipes offer greatly improved resistance to hydrocarbons at elevated temperatures, sour gas, seawater and intervention fluids. This paper will provide the audience with an overview of the properties of Victrex Pipes (mechanical, thermal and chemical) and an insight into the application developments and products which are currently underway.
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