Composite Piping Systems to Improve Oil and Gas Production

From the mid-1980s until 1994, U.S. oil and gas exploration and production steadily declined, forcing a significant increase in U.S. imports of crude oil. For example, in 1994, the United States imported more than 50 percent of the nation's total demand, which was the highest level since 1990. To economically develop U.S. oil production in deep-water locations, the industry needed strong, lightweight materials to replace the heavy alloy traditionally used in oil platforms in seawater. If alloy pipe could be replaced with lightweight advanced composites, for example, benefits would include reduced weight on the platform deck, reduced cost of the piping, and reduced maintenance costs.