SINTEF has developed a wide range of tests for qualifying polymer, elastomer and composite materials for sub-sea and down-hole applications (high pressures, high temperatures, aggressive chemicals). Some examples are shown below.

Buoyancy measurements, compression strength and creep tests  

• Tri-axial compression and creep
• Hydrostatic compression and creep
• Uni-axial compression and creep
• Pressure range:  0-350 bar
• Temperature range:  0-200 ˚C    

Ageing and degradation at high pressures and temperatures in hostile environments (1)

• The vessels are designed to hold strong chemicals, for instance those defined in Norsok M710. Typical chemicals are crude oil, heptane, cyclohexane, toluene, methanol, sea water and various acids.
• The vessels can be pressurised with gases such as oxygen, methane, H₂S, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
• Pressure range: 0-350 bar.
• Temperature range: 10-230 ˚C.

Ageing and degradation at high pressures and temperatures in hostile environments (2)

By exposing samples at different temperatures followed by mechanical testing (e.g. according to ASTM D3045 ”Standard practice for heat ageing of plastics without load”), the ageing degradation of the material can be determined. Results from such tests can be used to estimate the maximum working temperature for a given lifetime, or vice versa. A typical task would be to determine how high temperature a component can withstand for 20 years.

Large-scale test facilities

• Pressures up to 1200 bar
• Temperatures up to 200 ˚C
• 300 mm x 3500 mm sample volume
• 24 hour computer control