The Isolast XploRTM J9523 perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) and XploRTM V9T82 fluoroelastomer (FKM) are engineered to maintain sealing function at very low temperatures whilst also subject to high pressure conditions. The materials have met the ISO 23936 standard as well as revision three of NORSOK M-710.
This means that oil operators contending with extreme low temperatures now have the opportunity to reduce operator costs without the need to use higher cost solutions and pre-heated equipment.
Low temperature sealing is becoming more common in oil and gas applications but standard Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) and FKM materials offer limited sealing capability below freezing when operated at high pressures.When an elastomer reaches its glass transition temperature (Tg) point its properties change from being elastic and pliable to becoming solid and brittle. As a result the elastomer is ineffective as a sealing solution and can be damaged easily.
The Tg point of an elastomer is increased under pressure. In general, the Tg value rises by approximately 1°C for every 750psi increase in pressure applied. For example, a seal material with a Tg rating of -20°C at atmosphere will have a Tg rating of 0°C at 15,000psi.
Isolast XploRTM J9523 operating temperatures range from -40 to 240°C with short excursions to 250°C, while XploRTM V9T82 operates from -48 to 200°C with short excursions to 210°C. These low Tg values allow the materials to remain elastic under pressure at much lower temperatures than standard grades.
Andrew Longdon, UK technical manager at Trelleborg, said: “Isolast XploRTM J9523 and XploRTM V9T82 are both designed to stand up to rapid gas decompression (RGD), are suitable for sour service conditions and have an outstanding extreme low temperature performance.
“The ability of the materials to successfully function below -20°C whilst under 15,000psi is convention defying,” he added.
In addition to wellhead applications, Isolast XploRTM J9523 and XploR V9T82 may also be suitable for drilling and intervention equipment that is stored in subzero conditions before being deployed into high pressure scenarios.