New composite pipe designed for extreme subsea oil and gas operations

To reduce exploration and production costs and risks in subsea oil and gas systems, Magma Global Limited has developed new flexible m-pipe technology. The company states that the latest lightweight continuous pipe is both the largest and longest VICTREX PEEK-based structure ever made. It can be deployed to depths of 10,000 feet and handle pressures of up to 15 ksi (103MPa). The composite pipe combines VICTREX PEEK, high-grade carbon fiber and S-2 glass fibers to form a reliable subsea intervention line that meets the demand for a hydraulic pumping system that can handle high pressures and high flow rates.

“Thanks to partnering with Victrex Plc, we have been able to successfully develop our 10,000 foot solution for hydraulic pumping and light well intervention in the Gulf of Mexico. VICTREX PEEK polymer’s high performance, and their material and processing expertise, has supported the new record-breaking flexible and spoolable m-pipe for the oil and gas industry,” said Charles Tavner, commercial director at Magma.

Magma is offering its m-pipe and integrated deployment package as a vessel back-deck system for rapid hydraulic light well intervention. The Magma deployment system has a modular reeler with m-pipe intervention line pipe handling system, built-in tensioner, level wind, controls cabin, hydraulic power unit, installation platform and winch, for rapid pipe deployment and retrieval. The m-pipe is a composite material based on VICTREX PEEK polymer, carbon and glass fibers that delivers low fatigue, improved buoyancy in fluids and high resistance to corrosion compared to steel pipe.

“In oil and gas exploration the continuous need to extend scope and efficiency motivates us to develop reliable solutions further. In close collaboration with customers we consequently contribute to solve the toughest challenges,” said Tom Swanson, energy director at Victrex.

“VICTREX PEEK-based m-pipe and deployment system offers regular, reliable low-cost hydraulic well intervention, and can be rented as a complete deployment package from Magma, on either a short-term campaign or annual contract basis. The m-pipe reduces the cost of intervention at a time when the oil and gas industry is extremely challenged on operational costs, and is also striving to achieve efficiency and reliability. The Magma system is designed to minimize mobilization time and maximize vessel utilization by reducing hydraulic pumping time, reducing intervention costs by up to 30%,” says Tavner.

Magma’s ‘integrated package’ approach provides the ability to intervene in subsea completions continuously and efficiently, to maximize their ongoing productivity. The Magma system and high performance m-pipe allows for flexible high pressure and high-flow-rate pumping of intervention fluids into subsea wells from small vessels.