FMC Technologies has developed and patented a technology to replace the orbital welding process used to connect small bore hydraulic tubing used in subsea equipment — the shape memory alloy subsea fitting. The technology is based on shape memory alloys — a nickel-titanium material that returns to its original shape after subjected to environmental changes such as temperature or pressure. This same material is widely used in the automotive, aerospace and biomedical industries; however, FMC Technologies is applying the technology underwater and solving the problems of corrosion and susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement that can occur in a subsea environment.
“We are excited about the shape memory alloy subsea fitting and certain of its future widespread adoption and subsea application,” said Paulo Couto, technology and engineering vice president at FMC Technologies Brazil.
The technology development was done in partnership with Shell Brazil, and has earned FMC Technologies a Spotlight on New Technology award at OTC Brazil 2015. The award recognizes extraordinary inventiveness within the exploration and production industry that contributes to the careful and efficient development of offshore resources.
