Infrastructure
Growth markets for composite materials in civilinfrastructure
In the last decade, the composites industry has set ambitious goals in the vast civil infrastructure market.
Read MoreOffshore Applications: The Future Is Now
The number of composites installations continues to grow on new and existing offshore facilities.
Read MoreBridging the Centuries with Composites
Bob Sweet, president/CEO of Creative Pultrusions Inc. (Alum Bank, Pa.), established in 1973, is a graduate of the University of the Pacific (BS, business administration) and an active member of the Market Development Aliance (MDA) and the Pultrusion Industry Council (PIC), as well as the American Composite
Read MoreThermoplastic Composites Making An Impact
Product/process developments accelerate use of long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics in automotive and industrial markets.
Read MoreTechnologies Adapt For Ongoing Challenges
Oil prices received a shot in the arm when Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, and prices rose over the $35 per barrel mark. Unfortunately the prices dropped again once the conflict ended. It was becoming clear that the low price of oil was a reality that would have to be considered on future projects. Large fields i
Read MoreManufacturing Methods
Composite parts can be made in a controlled factory environment and delivered to the site as finished pipe, beams or grating, or fiber and resin can be combined on site to make or repair structures. Regardless of the fabrication method and its location, a quality composite requires that the reinforcement be co
Read MoreSome Design Issues
A variety of resins can be used for offshore applications, depending on the requirements for the final product. General-purpose polyester offers a low-cost option that provides greater corrosion resistance than steel. Isophthalic polyester provides somewhat better corrosion resistance, while vinyl ester is pre
Read MorePetrobras Pioneers Topside Composites
Petrobras (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) was the first major oil company to experiment with molded gratings in the 1980s, though these early products proved unsatisfactory due to wide variations in mechanical properties. However, advances in pultrusion and filament winding technology coupled with the availability of
Read MoreComposite Tether Goes To Sea
Conoco and KOP have manufactured a prototype of a carbon fiber composite tether that could extend TLP production to depths exceeding 10,000 ft/3,000 m. The design has undergone extensive static testing and fatigue loading and has been verified through hydrodynamic model testing. Sea testing is being planned.
Read MoreSubsea Wellhead And Pipeline Protection Covers
Wellhead and pipeline protection covers are required under the Norsok regulations for subsea installations in the Norwegian sector (Standard U-002, Subsea Structures and Piping System). Traditional steel wellhead covers are very large — often more than 50 ft/15m square — to allow ROVs access to the Christmas t
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