From the Arctic to the Tropics: chemical manufacturer develops coating to protect pipes in all conditions

A Durham University Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) has helped chemical manufacturer AGMA to develop a new protective coating for oil and gas pipes in demanding and diverse conditions.

The partnership carried out the groundwork for an innovative formulation designed to cope with temperatures ranging from sub-zero to 70 degrees.

Field trials are now testing the efficacy of the versatile coating which aims to provide a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to existing products.

The challenge

AGMA has grown a global business providing high performance chemical solutions to solve the challenges and compliance demands of industrial organisations.

The prevention of pipe corrosion in oil and gas production comprises an important focus of its work, with AGMA providing protective coatings to keep pipes strong and in good condition during transportation and in storage prior to use.

As companies go deeper in search of oil, conditions experienced have become ever more testing, with the temperature range increasing and stresses on pipes becoming greater. Hence the importance of strong corrosion free pipe.

With this in mind, AGMA set itself the challenge to develop one all-conditions coating that could deal with a broad temperature span and could be used across the world.

The ambition was also to replace solvent-based coatings with an aqueous-based formulation that would be kinder to the planet and easier to store and transport.

A single product solution would not only reduce costs for AGMA, who would no longer need to buy and store multiple raw materials, but it would also cut costs for clients by eliminating the need for multiple products.

The solution

AGMA identified the need of a chemist to gain a better understanding of the mechanical and rheological properties of its existing product range.

Once this knowledge was accrued, the aim was to find a way of achieving the same protective results using an aqueous-based component that could withstand temperature changes.

A research associate was matched with the company to provide a bridge between the academic and commercial worlds that the KTP straddled.

Their expertise provided AGMA with the chemical knowledge it needed and laid the foundations for the development of a new formulation.

The KTP project achieved the desired results at low temperatures and AGMA has employed a PhD chemist to continue the work by extending its use to perform at high temperatures. Samples of the new formulation are now going into field trials in Malaysia.

Value

AGMA has filled a crucial gap in its understanding of how the chemical components of its raw materials fit together.

Though Covid-19 slowed down progress of the KTP, AGMA is now on track with the development of its new all-conditions product.

Once in production, this will reduce costs and streamline logistics for both AGMA and its clients who will no longer need to use, store and transport multiple flammable solvent-based products designed for specific conditions.

The KTP also made an exciting discovery about a potential new application for the product, which diversifies its use and opens up a new market for AGMA. The company is in early stage talks with a major business about the opportunity about this potential use.