Pipes are usually used for fluid transport (e.g. tubing for Oil & Gas well, pipe for line pipe or for refinery) or as structural component (e.g. casing for Oil & Gas well, structural component of construction).

The development of rapid surface treatment, additive manufacturing, smart coatings are just some of the new technologies that pave the way for new opportunities to augment pipes, enrich their current use or bring totally new functionalities. In parallel, customers are looking for increased information and innovative solutions to optimize and maximize the use and the profitability of their assets.

In this context, Vallourec would like to identify solutions, select and work with innovative start-ups, laboratories or companies to make augmented pipes a reality.

Maximize the fluid flow
inside the pipes

Propose solutions and/or technologies to maximize fluid flow inside the pipes. Innovative surface treatment, new micro-sensors, additive technologies are examples of new technologies that can help meet this need, for instance by reducing surface friction or avoiding inside deposits.

Transmit signal and/or power
via the pipes

Propose solutions and/or technologies to make pipe strings capable to transmit signal and/or power. Innovative smart coatings, electromagnetic technologies are examples of new technologies that can help meet this need.

Solutions related to the above challenges will be considered and studied in priority. However, all proposed solutions will be taken into consideration.

• The challenge is applicable to the following Vallourec pipe applications:
  - OCTG tubing and casing in Oil & Gas well
  - Offshore and onshore line pipe
  - Tube and pipe in industry applications
• The proposed solution must withstand the specific environment conditions of the application and operations it is designed for. Specific environment conditions namely the pressure, temperature and corrosion conditions are detailed in attachment “Specific environment conditions per application”
• Durability of the solution must be adapted to the pipe life cycle application.
• Cost is a major criteria both of the solution and of its implementation on the pipes and on site.
• Prototypes shall be fabricated for tests in a representative environment within 18 months.