Trelleborg announces that it will be developing the next generation of buckling mitigation buoyancy technology. Chevron awarded Trelleborg’s offshore operation a license agreement to develop the patented technology, which includes the design and qualification of this new buoyancy product.
In certain offshore conditions, lateral movement of traditional fixed buoyancy modules can cause soil compaction, increased lateral soil resistance and the formation of berms. This condition can cause secondary regions of high stress, increasing the risk of lateral pipeline buckling.
After years of research and testing, Chevron identified a solution and has partnered with Trelleborg to develop and qualify, a new product. The new solution offers an alternative lateral buckling mitigation strategy using a rotating mechanism compared to standard fixed buoyancy - enhancing reliability and effectiveness of thermal expansion mitigation on subsea pipelines.
“By partnering with Trelleborg offshore, we’re using a new approach to accelerate the deployment of this technology,” stated Antonio Critsinelis, Subsea Pipeline Team Lead with Chevron Energy Technology Company. “This is an important partnership to bridge the gap from technology conception to production.”
John Drury, Managing Director at Trelleborg’s offshore operation in Skelmersdale states: “We are excited to work with Chevron on this joint-development project and are honored they chose Trelleborg as the sole manufacturer and distributor. We believe our knowledge and application expertise will support Chevron’s team to conclude a successful project.”
Trelleborg’s offshore operation and Trelleborg Group
Using advanced polymer material technology, Trelleborg’s offshore operation provides high integrity solutions for the harshest and most demanding offshore environments. As part of the Trelleborg Offshore & Construction Business Area of Trelleborg Group, Trelleborg’s offshore operation specializes in the development and production of polymer and syntactic foam based seismic, marine, buoyancy, cable protection and thermal insulation products, as well as rubber-based passive and active fire protection solutions for the offshore industry. Within its portfolio are some long established and respected brands including, CRP, OCP, Viking and Emerson & Cuming. Trelleborg’s offshore operation has been providing innovative solutions to the industry for over 30 years.
