Polymers in Offshore Engineering: Applications and Properties

Abstract

Applications of polymers, especially elastomers, in Offshore Engineering are reviewed. These include highly critical applications such as primary structural bearings for compliant deep water production platforms, sealing systems for valves and downhole applications and high pressure flexible pipes, and corrosion control. In many cases simple standard tests provide inadequate characterisation of material properties for the level of engineering performance required. The review includes some description of more sophisticated methods, such as fracture mechanics which can more successfully relate to engineering performance.