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3 MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY FOR THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

Since the first findings of petroleum on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) back in the
1960s, the oil & gas nation Norway can look back on an impressing technological development
which is well recognized internationally. During the last 30 years the oil and gas industry acting in
the NCS, have positioned themselves as pioneers in several technological fields. The development
of OLGA 1D multiphase flow simulator, a joint SINTEF/IFE product, is one excellent example of
how Norwegian expertise made vital contributions to oil and gas transportation technology.
Development and safe use of new and more traditional materials is another example. Safe and
cost-effective use of materials gives the premises for realization of many other technology-leaps.
As an example, deep water development with associated sub-sea intervention can be mentioned.
The aggravating focus on increased safety and reliability stimulates research on associated
subjects. The safety aspect in the offshore industry acts as a basis for increased profitability,
safety and sustainability for future exploitation of our oil and gas resources. Also the judgment of
possible environmental impacts is a crucial aspect, especially in the debate of expanding the
offshore activities in the northern regions (Lofoten, Barents-sea).

Because of our oil and gas industry developed in hostile environments, Norway has paved the way
for use of steels (and other materials) under very demanding conditions. Development of materials
and fabrication technologies has been followed by development of standards and guidelines for
safe implementation. This situation is well recognized internationally, and will from our side in
the future be followed up by increased engagement in international standardization communities.

SINTEF Materials Technology/NTNU (and IFE in some specific areas) have been significant
R&D partners during the above described development period. In the 1970s much attention was
given to the development of low-alloyed steels with good welding properties, fracture and fatigue
(corrosion-fatigue) resistance. This was followed by the development of hyperbaric (under-water)
welding. Development and use of new types of stainless steels, titanium and composites were
addressed during the 1980s. The 1990s has been characterized by the development of high-
strength steels and corrosion resistant alloys (e.g. supermartensitic 13% Cr stainless steel quality),
especially designed for offshore pipelines.

The oil and gas installations and infrastructures will need continuously monitoring, upgrading and
maintenance, still for many decades ahead. The future challenges with respect to “maintenance-
free” sub-sea installations, general deep water solutions with high reliability, and down stream
natural gas technology development, are examples which all require new and upgraded
competence.

3.1 Future development

Since the beginning of the Ekofisk development in the early 1970-ties Norwegian exploitation of
oil and gas resources has moved into increasingly harsher environments. There is no indication
that this trend will discontinue. The next steps could be fields in water depths of 2000 metes or
more, or fields in ice. The past development has shown that new materials are taken into use at a
steady rate. S13Cr steel pipelines and flexible risers are examples. For future field developments
materials like high strength steels, titanium alloys, composites and advanced polymers may be
required for critical components. For “bulk” applications (structures, pipelines, risers/riser towers,
mooring systems, etc) the most likely development would be use of more corrosion resistant
materials, improved corrosion control, and a gradually increased strength (especially for steels).
Use of composites is likely to be somewhat increased where the combination of flexibility, weight
reduction and non-corrosive properties are wanted. For metallic materials development of
coatings and painting systems has to be improved. The general durability of coatings does have