Ultra-High Conductivity Umbilicals: Polymer Nanotube Umbilicals

10121-4302-01

Primary Performer
NanoRidge Materials, Inc.

Additional Participants
Rice University
Stanford University
DUCO
Total
Shell
Baker Hughes

Abstract
The next step in this continuation project is to achieve a conductivity capability for subsea umbilicals (10^-6 O•cm in a Polymer Nanotube Umbilical (PNU)) that is at least comparable to that of copper, but at a much lower weight. A polymer nanotube-based high conductivity wire for umbilicals, the cables that provide power to satellite wells, will increase the distance that satellite wells can be located away from surface facilities, leading to a reduction in energy requirements and a smaller operations carbon footprint. Ultimately, the reduced size and weight of the umbilicals will result in easier and potentially safer handling of cable during installation. It will also decrease the need to build and use hubs and platforms, since more efficient power transmission will allow for a subsea option as opposed to a platform option in some cases. The successful application of this technology should be able to be extended onshore, resulting in added efficiency and less stress on onshore power grids.

The key technical deliverables of the program include:

• Achieve 10^-5 resistivity
• Produce a structural cable
• Manufacture at pilot scale
• Perform platform tests
• Achieve 10^-6 resistivity
• Produce PNU for service

Principal Investigators: Dr. Kyle Kissell (NanoRidge Materials) and Dr. Enrique Barrera (Rice University)

Project Cost:
DOE share: $2,558,549
Recipient share: $639,639

Project Duration: 3 years