The requirement is to analyse the differing insulation performances of “pipe in pipe” and “non-jacketed” techniques. Recently within the oil and gas industry there has been recognition that the use of pipe in pipe insulation, which is costly and complicated to install could be replaced with a lighter and more cost effective option which is capable of use in greater depths of water. Although the non-jacketed insulation is lighter, cost effective and easier to install, the insulating properties are compromised due to the high density materials used to build them, which have low insulating properties.

The wet aerogel insulation for extended reach subsea systems (WAIFERSS) is being developed as a light weight insulated jacket which is easy to install and capable of maintaining its thermal performance. The aerogel material will have to be pre-processed to enhance its strength when used for non-jacketed insulation and the formation of a barrier will be developed, to prevent the material from absorbing water at high levels of pressure.

This feasibility study is looking at the thermal and mechanical properties of a thermal insulating aerogel material under pressure, which is currently used for pipe-in-pipe insulation and assessing its potential for non-jacketed insulation use. Although the aerogel material will be pre-processed to increase its strength, testing will aim to prove that it maintains a thermal conductivity, that is still considerably better than other non-jacketed insulating materials, at greater depths and for the operating life of the pipeline. In addition, as part of the feasibility study, the concepts and manufacturing methods are being qualified according to the principles of DNV-RP-A203 Qualification Procedures for New Technology.

VerdErg have successfully completed the compression, creep and thermal conductivity testing, with the coating design, coupon testing, manufacturing study and installation studies all underway. This project is currently at a feasibility phase. Once complete, this will move into a prototyping phase, then as a release to market.

With the light weight, yet strong, insulated jacket it will be possible to insulate the areas which pipe in pipe insulation cannot accommodate for such as the valves, connections, trees and manifolds. It will be cost effective and less risky to install, providing a good alternative to pipe in pipe and increase the effectiveness of non-jacketed insulation.