Castrol launches new hydraulic control fluid for subsea production systems
(WO) – Castrol has launched Transaqua 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.1
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 Transaqua™ range 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 maximize 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.
In combination with its ground-breaking Castrol Transaqua SP-HC product, Castrol offers used oil analysis to support operators with accurate product recommendations. Castrol Technical Services combines detailed knowledge of product qualities and well conditions to ensure optimum product selection, which protects the system. Castrol Transaqua SP-HC is available since January 2024.
Castrol Transaqua SP-HC has been developed and qualified using rigorous industry and equipment manufacturer quality standards. It is also tested and registered according to OSPAR Environmental requirements in the UK and Norway, in addition to the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and Azerbaijan. Qualification testing was carried out in accordance with Industry Standard API 17F Annex C (Rev4, Nov. 2017) requirements. Castrol Transaqua products have been verified as achieving carbon neutral status in accordance with BSI’s PAS2060* since 2021.
