Castrol has launched TransaquaTM SP-HC, a new hydraulic control fluid under its Transaqua range. The fluid has been formulated for use as the control fluid in subsea production control systems, delivering all-round subsea production system protection.
Castrol Transaqua™ SP-HC is suitable for Electro-Hydraulic Multiplex (EH-Mux) or direct hydraulic control systems in high-pressure, deep-water gas projects exceeding 20 000 psi (1379 bar), where entrained gas may contaminate control lines, creating a risk of hydrate formation. The product is designed for use throughout production and workover control systems, including downhole Subsurface Safety Valve (SSSV) and intelligent well completions.
Contamination, corrosion, and temperature are key challenges for subsea control systems, leading to system failure. Castrol Transaqua SP-HC protects against corrosion of carbon steels, tolerating up to 30% seawater contamination based on vapour phase and immersion corrosion testing. It also commands excellent stability with common system contaminants, such as seawater, from up to 50% and completion brines.1 It has been developed to operate in extreme temperature ranges of -50ºC (-58ºF) to +150ºC (302ºF) through the support of low pour point.
Castrol Transaqua SP-HC is compatible with many materials commonly used in subsea control systems based on industry-standard API 17F protocols. It can be mixed in all proportions with other products in the Castrol Transaquarange and other water-based subsea control fluids. As a result, retrofit operations are straightforward, and deployment will not result in blockages, or unplanned spending to address these challenges.
“Subsea operation owners and operators need to maximise the performance of their subsea operations. System protection from key challenges such as hydrate blockage, is critical to achieve effective, reliable subsea production. Not taking appropriate action to ensure optimal performance could lead to huge revenue losses through deferred production and costly interventions,” says Tronje Schneider-Pungs, Energy Lubricants Sales Director at Castrol.
“Our Castrol Transaqua™ SP-HC unlocks reliable subsea performance with excellent all-round production system protection, improved corrosion, contamination, and enhanced temperature performance. This is the latest step for Castrol strengthening its position as a leading global lubricant and fluid provider for the oil & gas industry with the products and expertise to ensure better performance and reliability,” adds Tronje Schneider-Pungs.
Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/22022024/castrol-launches-hydraulic-control-fluid/