Baker Hughes & Petrobras Partner to Tackle SCC-CO2 in Flexible Pipes
Baker Hughes, a company specializing in energy technology, has partnered with Petrobras on a joint technology development initiative aimed at addressing stress corrosion cracking caused by CO2 (SCC-CO2) in flexible pipe systems.
This pre-commercial agreement involves the design, testing, and potential purchase of next-generation flexible pipes, engineered for a 30-year lifespan in high-CO2 conditions. The collaboration will be carried out primarily at Baker Hughes' Energy Technology Innovation Center in Rio de Janeiro, alongside its nearby flexible pipe manufacturing facility.
"Baker Hughes has been at the forefront of tackling SCC-CO2 challenges, and we are leveraging our expertise to develop a definitive solution for this critical industry issue," stated Amerino Gatti, executive vice president of Oilfield Services & Equipment at Baker Hughes. "By deploying long-lasting flexible pipe systems, Petrobras can enhance resource extraction while safely reinjecting CO2 underground."
First identified in 2016, SCC-CO2 poses risks to flexible pipes in pre-salt fields with high levels of naturally occurring CO2. If water infiltrates the pipe’s annular space, it can corrode the steel reinforcement layers, compromising structural integrity and shortening the system's lifespan. This challenge is particularly relevant in Brazil’s pre-salt fields, where Petrobras reinjects CO2 from production operations to minimize flaring and boost oil recovery. As part of its commitment to reducing emissions, Petrobras views carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) as a key strategy in achieving its sustainability goals.
Historically, operators in high-CO2 environments have depended on methods that only mitigate the effects of SCC-CO2, leading to limited riser and flowline service life. However, Baker Hughes’ flexible pipe technology, coupled with advanced monitoring solutions, has proven effective in reducing these impacts. The company remains a key supplier of flexible pipe systems to Petrobras.
With a long-standing presence in Brazil’s offshore oil and gas sector, Baker Hughes’ localization efforts not only strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure but also contribute to economic growth.
This pre-commercial agreement involves the design, testing, and potential purchase of next-generation flexible pipes, engineered for a 30-year lifespan in high-CO2 conditions. The collaboration will be carried out primarily at Baker Hughes' Energy Technology Innovation Center in Rio de Janeiro, alongside its nearby flexible pipe manufacturing facility.
"Baker Hughes has been at the forefront of tackling SCC-CO2 challenges, and we are leveraging our expertise to develop a definitive solution for this critical industry issue," stated Amerino Gatti, executive vice president of Oilfield Services & Equipment at Baker Hughes. "By deploying long-lasting flexible pipe systems, Petrobras can enhance resource extraction while safely reinjecting CO2 underground."
First identified in 2016, SCC-CO2 poses risks to flexible pipes in pre-salt fields with high levels of naturally occurring CO2. If water infiltrates the pipe’s annular space, it can corrode the steel reinforcement layers, compromising structural integrity and shortening the system's lifespan. This challenge is particularly relevant in Brazil’s pre-salt fields, where Petrobras reinjects CO2 from production operations to minimize flaring and boost oil recovery. As part of its commitment to reducing emissions, Petrobras views carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) as a key strategy in achieving its sustainability goals.
Historically, operators in high-CO2 environments have depended on methods that only mitigate the effects of SCC-CO2, leading to limited riser and flowline service life. However, Baker Hughes’ flexible pipe technology, coupled with advanced monitoring solutions, has proven effective in reducing these impacts. The company remains a key supplier of flexible pipe systems to Petrobras.
With a long-standing presence in Brazil’s offshore oil and gas sector, Baker Hughes’ localization efforts not only strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure but also contribute to economic growth.
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