29 Apr 2003
Victrex® PEEK™ polymer extends service life in offshore systems
Single Buoy Moorings of Monaco, a major supplier of floating production, storage and off-loading systems, (FPSO's), has turned to PTFE-filled Victrex PEEK™ polymer to overcome the corrosion problems associated with bronze components. Designed and moulded by 3P/EGC of Texas, USA, the polymer bearings and thrust washers in the mooring systems, driving chain systems and swivels provide an extended service life, significant weight reduction and excellent load bearing capabilities.
Corrosion resistance in sub sea environments is of prime importance as FPSO's are constructed in open or unprotected water to facilitate the mooring of tankers at offshore oil and gas exploration stations without jetties and breakwaters. Unlike bronze components, which can develop severe galvanic corrosion, Victrex® PEEK™ polymer bearings and thrust washers provide long-term corrosion resistance as well as superior wear resistance.
Victrex® PEEK™ polymer requires no external lubrication, which is another key advantage in this application. The problem with bronze bearings and thrust washers is their inability to run dry, which results in premature wear and reduced service life. Victrex® PEEK™ polymer’s excellent dry running capabilities ensure long-term tribological performance and a service life of at least 10 years.
Switching to Victrex® PEEK™ polymer has provided significant weight savings. "Many of these bearings and thrust washers are large, up to 50cm in diameter," explains Raju Kalidindi, senior applications engineer at 3P/EGC. "When they are made with bronze they can be extremely heavy. Victrex® PEEK™ polymer parts are much lighter, making them easier to handle. This is important because the components have to be inserted into large metal housings."
FPSO’s also facilitate the production and storage of fluids and are often equipped with complex crude oil separation plants, as well as water injection and gas compression systems. The ability to carry heavy loads is therefore another important requirement. "The bearings and thrust washers in these systems must be able to carry loads ranging from 175 kPa–350 kPa," continues Mr. Kalidindi. "With so many metal assemblies, the function of the bearings and thrust washers is critical to the end-use product. Victrex® PEEK™ polymer has excellent load bearing capabilities. The moulded components can carry the maximum loads in the system and will not wear quickly. It is a high strength material with excellent tribological properties."
3P/EGC has developed a tailor-made process to mould the large Victrex® PEEK™ polymer cylinders without defects. In addition to being large in size, some of the bearings have wall thicknesses of up to 5cm.
Reader enquiries
Helen SwarbrickVictrex plc
Victrex Technology Centre
Hillhouse International
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire FY5 4QD
United Kingdom
Tel +44 1253 897700
Fax +44 1253 897701
United Kingdom
Notes for editors
Victrex plc, which has its sales, technical and production headquarters at Thornton Cleveleys in Lancashire, UK, had a turnover of more than £59m in the last financial year. The company exports 97 percent of its Victrex® PEEK™ polymer output to OEMs in the automotive, industrial, medical, food and electronics market sectors in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
Information on products, technical support services and sales and distribution contacts worldwide, can be accessed through the company’s web site: www.victrex.com
The PEEK™ Trademark
For many years Victrex plc has been using the PEEK™ trademark to refer to its brand of Polyetheretherketone. Victrex plc is the sole manufacturer and supplier of the Victrex® PEEK™ brand polymer world-wide. PEEK™ is a trademark of Victrex plc.
