Consortium Projects

MERL have been initiating and running joint industry projects for the oil & gas sector since 1988. Where possible, these projects are run in conjunction with a partner research/technology organisation(*) whose skills complement those of MERL. The projects, listed below, have been well supported by the industry. The work has focused on four main areas - seals and sealing, unbonded flexible pipe, flexjoints and insulation.

• HPHT Dynamic Sealing for Downhole Conditions
• Seal Life Research Project*
• Effect of Chemical Ageing on the Performance Properties of Polymers*
• Evaluation of Polymers for High Temperature Flexible Pipe*
• Processable Low Temperature Cure Rubber Compounds
• Fatigue Life of Elastomeric Bearings*
• Deepwater Flowline and Riser Insulation Systems

MERL are currently launching a new oilfield JIP (2003).

SOUR - Quantification of Oilfield Polymer Performance in H2S
With the increased interest in sour/acid gas re-injection applications,
as well as the rising number of very sour fields (e.g. Tengiz),
the performance of critical non-metallic components in contact with this aggressive gas will be quantified.