Industrial Chemistry Division - Services...

Polymer Testing / Failure Analysis

GEOTECH has considerable experience in solving complex industrial problems involving polymeric materials, also known as macromolecules, related to the corrosion of non-metallic materials in the oil and gas industry.

The degradation of protective coatings, liners, risers and hoses can often be prevented by choosing the right generic types and grades for the job. Fillers, antioxidants and other additives are used to improve the properties of the main generic species such as nylon. GEOTECH use advanced analytical chemistry techniques which can usually identify the client’s material, and often help with improving the properties of the product by careful selection of the best grade for the material in question.

One recent problem involved breaking a condensate/water emulsion at a gas plant that was caused by degradation of a corrosion inhibitor in the circuit. GEOTECH’s work saved the oil company client almost $3 million as the only other possible solution would have been to buy expensive centrifugal equipment to physically separate the condensate from the water.

Common problems which GEOTECH resolves for their clients relate to the hundreds of different types of 0-rings and the many ways in which they can degrade after being exposed to high pressures, and our staff are fully aware of, and experienced with, the problems which can arise.

The polymer group at GEOTECH is available for consultation on plastics and rubbers and is in the unique position where a wide range of in-house state of the art analytical equipment can be utilized.