Context
An “ Augmented ” pipe has new functionalities in addition to its classical use.

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.

Technical challenges
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.

General specifications
  • 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.
Collaboration steps
2019 / 05 / 06
Launch of the
innovation program
Receipt of proposals.
2019 / 09 / 24
Pre-selection
Vallourec will preselect, among the proposals received until this date, the start-ups, laboratories and/or companies allowed to pitch their project.
2019 / 10 / 24
Selection through pitch
The preselected start-ups, labs and/or companies will present their project so as to assess their relevance, in Vallourec premises. Decision on the final selection will be released by end of November.
2020 / 01 / 15
Organization of
further collaboration
The fourth stage will be devoted to the organization of collaborative workshops with the winning start-ups, labs and/or companies to determine precisely the collaboration.
Read our specific environment conditions before applying