Polyketone for Downhole Clamping Systems

The demand for gas and oil has increased dramatically with our rising lifestyle. To exploit these resources, which can typically be found underground, drilling is required. An essential part of the production process is downhole clamping, which means the attachment of a variety of cables including ESP, Fiber Optic, Capillary & Pneumatic lines to downhole tubing in both the Energy & Mining Sectors. The challenges which need to be met, are to find solutions which can withstand demanding requirements such as  high temperature, pressure, and tension for long periods of time.

HCL Fasteners Ltd. which specializes in the production and distribution of clamping systems have developed a range of polymeric fastening systems,  Smart® Tie and Smart® Protector for exactly these markets. The products are corrosion resistant and can easily and quickly be assembled on site using the specially designed assembly tools. The Smart® Tie is used to secure the Smart® Protector or cables in single or multiple configurations to the tubing,

Looking for the right materials HCL Fasteners Ltd., addressed AKRO-PLASTIC, a leading producer of highly sophisticated engineering compounds for the right material selection. AKROTEK® PK, a compound based on an aliphatic polyketone, was the ideal candidate for the application. AKRO-PLASTIC is represented in the UK by IMCD, a global leading distribution partner, formulator of speciality chemicals and ingredients, and solutions provider.

David Coles (Managing Director at HCL Fasterner Ltd.) said: “Polyketone based products are used in particular for electrical submersible pump cable clamping in downhole applications. Polyketone for us gives a tough, durable, and chemically resistant solution able to withstand the harsh downhole environments at a good price point.”

What is so special about AKROTEK® PK? Polyketone is a terpolymer made from carbon monoxide, ethylene and propylene and  therefore has a low carbon footprint. In addition, it shows  outstanding chemical resistance, low creep, high elongation at break, high resilience, and low moisture absorption, which means that there is only a slight reduction of mechanical strength caused by water uptake. It can be injection molded to produce the fastener straps in different sizes. The largest one moulded by HCL  is 32 mm wide and 850 mm long. The excellent chemical resistance and low moisture uptake properties make it a viable alternative for more expensive PA12-compounds in many applications.