In the second annual roundtable hosted by Trelleborg, industry experts agree that the silver lining in the low barrel price is the willingness of the industry to embrace innovative solutions that can lower overall costs while not compromising safety. The roundtable explored issues raised from Trelleborg’s 2017 ‘Next Level Report’ that gathered views from individuals involved in the offshore oil & gas industry.

On the roundtable for Trelleborg was Antony Croston, Business Group Director of Trelleborg’s offshore operation in Houston. He said, “Adversity creates innovation and brings people together. With less activity in the industry, people have more time to investigate solutions and are more receptive to new innovations, but a key first step is defining the need of the customer. Forward thinking companies are taking the time to spend money upfront to be more efficient in the long term.

Advantages of the Internet of Things

“The Internet of Things is a great idea. The limitation we have in the oil and gas industry includes what we do with our data. As an industry we are just getting to grips with what we can obtain and there is lots of data being acquired right now. We need to figure out how we can use the data and how we can make efficient decisions based on it. When we discuss the Internet of Things and machines talking to each other, being an intelligent system, I think that is quite a distance away for offshore oil and gas.”

In light of these challenges and opportunities, events like the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) are central to sharing knowledge. At this year’s show, Trelleborg will highlight some of the ways in which the market can improve safety through collaboration and innovation, optimize productivity and retain competitiveness as barrel prices recover.

Multi-functional Designs

Looking ahead to May, Trelleborg will officially introduce its new Global Riser Analysis team at OTC, growing its Houston-based engineering group by incorporating in-house mathematical simulation capabilities to its existing product design and manufacturing capabilities.

Collin Gaskill, Riser Analysis Engineer with Trelleborg’s offshore operation, states: “The Riser Analysis team will help advance product development and design opportunities at the system level, bringing innovative ideas and cost savings to our customers. The unique, fully customized solution generated enables us to advise which design choices give the biggest payback in terms of maximizing operational efficiency.”

One of the new team members, Lawrence Lai, will also be presenting a technical paper titled, ‘Cross Sectional Flow Modelling of a Drilling Riser System for Hydrodynamic Drag Consideration’ on Monday, May 1 at 9:30 am in room 604.

Advanced Compounds

Trelleborg will also announce the introduction of three technically advanced multi-purpose perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) compounds for oil & gas applications. Developed to be compatible with virtually all chemical media and over the widest temperature range possible, the newest Isolast® formulations provide real benefits and cost advantages with optimum sealing reliability and extending service life.

Eric Bucci, Oil & Gas Segment Manager at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions says: “Trelleborg is exceptional at solving complex challenges for its customers as supported through its newest innovation of Isolast® FFKM compounds that surpass traditional thermal, chemical and high temperature steam resistant limitations. Trelleborg has built its reputation from listening to customers and delivering advanced engineering, high quality, performance and safety.”

Safety Critical

With safety a priority Trelleborg delivers many material grades that are compliant with international industry standards and have been subjected to comprehensive third-party testing, qualifying materials from elastomers to PEEK- and PTFE-based compounds to a range of specifications including NORSOK M-710, ISO 23936-2, ISO 10423/API 6A Annex F.1.13.5.2 and Total GS EP PVV 142. Test data for over 30 of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions best-in-class materials for the oil and gas market can also be found online at its dedicated microsite, www.oilandgas-seals.com.

OTC Houston 2017

Trelleborg will exhibit its range of innovative offshore solutions at OTC Houston 2017 in hall D on stand 1928. Products are designed with quality, performance and efficiency front of mind and include high performance buoyancy, insulation, passive fire protection, and sealing solutions.