The world’s first riser in RTP (Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe) was successfully installed by BSP (Brunei Shell Petroleum) in the shallow coastal waters of the South China Sea just off Brunei in April 2005. The riser, a 4 inch diameter pipeline, which is 80 meters long, pumps treated water into the well at an operating pressure of 45 bars. The design pressure is 90 bars and strictly adheres to the Soluforce pressure data model for water applications. At the factory, in Enkhuizen, The Netherlands, prior to installation, the pipe batch passed through a 210 bar survival test at 65°C for almost 2 hours which is a standard factory quality procedure. The interest by BSP in using RTP comes from the fact that several of their offshore risers are coming to the end of their product life cycle and will need to be replaced. Soluforce RTP, a new technology, is a completely non metallic solution, since the strength of the pipe comes from aramid fiber, not steel, and is therefore non corrosive. Secondly Soluforce RTP can be supplied in lengths of up to 400m. This means that welding sections of the pipe either on the ship, or sub sea is no longer necessary and constitutes an important cost saving. It also means that lay out is easier, with less space required, on the platform or on the ship which also results in cost savings. At the moment Soluforce RTP, which was originally designed for onshore applications, is limited to a water depth of 30 meters. However there are many areas in the world where offshore oil and gas production takes place in shallow water, and Soluforce is being encouraged to develop products with a higher external pressure rating for deeper water. For further information: www.soluforce.com info@pipelife.nl