How time-activated sealants can contribute to more sustainable operations within the energy industry.

We cannot deny that oil and gas will continue to be a key part of our daily lives for a while to come, however as the industry ages and matures so do the assets and equipment involved in oil and gas extraction.

This is more and more frequently leading to damage and loss of integrity for the operation, and companies are under increased pressure to repair rather than replace in order to align with net zero and sustainability goals.

However, at the top of everyone’s agenda within the industry is always safety. Ensuring safe practices, whilst also considering costs and time constraints must also be part of the solution.

So, what is the solution?

When a leak occurs during an operation, it can be extremely expensive for the operation. Downtime causing a loss to production whilst a solution is found can have detrimental effects on timelines and budget.

In times gone-by repairing these leaks is often seen as a temporary fix which will end up costing more in the long-term. But, by using the right product to seal the leak, the integrity of the asset can remain intact for at least another 25 years with regular testing.

This extends the life of the asset, meaning the operator can continue to use the equipment until decommissioning.

Pressure-activated vs time-activated?

When it comes to what type of sealing solution to use, operators are faced with a choice: will pressure-activated or time-activated sealant yield better results for me?

 In short, time-activated sealants are more reliable, durable, long-lasting and carry less risk.

Pressure-activated sealants

Pressure-activated sealants can cause more damage to the equipment, particularly with larger leaks as they require high pressure to activate. You also run the risk of displacing the isolation, causing further damage and expanding the leak.

Leaks repaired with pressure-activated sealants are less robust due to the nature of the product. They create a small scab which can easily break or become washed out under the changing pressure which naturally occurs.

Time-activated sealants

Time-activated sealants can be deployed safely and reliably under much lower pressure  and can be used in a diverse range of situations, regardless of where the leak has occurred. Due to the availability of various viscosities and the way the product works, there is very little chance of the asset damage becoming worse or extending, ensuring your equipment lasts longer.

The sealant can be deployed safely with minimal operational downtime making it the most efficient and effective solution for leaking equipment. In general, it is more reliable and longer-lasting than pressure-activated sealants, extending the life of operational assets and reducing the need to replace components.

What next?

The great thing about time-activated sealants is that they can be used in such a versatile range of scenarios. Get in touch to discuss how it can help with your specific challenges.