SoluForce, a Flexible Composite Pipes (FCP, also known as Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipes or RTP) solutions provider, talks to Oil Review Middle East about its operations in Oman, the challenges facing pipeline operators in the region and more
How do you view the market for your products in Oman?
SoluForce has a long standing relationship with Oman. We were the first-ever FCP or RTP to be installed in Oman in the year 2000. These pipes are still operational to this day. This has allowed us to be at the forefront of FCP developments in the region. It has been very interesting to see the developments throughout the years, in which we have continued to supply the region and built long-term relationships.
Each year billions of dollars are invested in pipelines in the Middle East, but the majority of these investments are literally corroding away. Luckily, we notice that more and more oil and gas companies use non-metallic innovative solutions as part of their strategy program and become aware of the benefits of FCP and the impact they can have on their operations.
As the originator of FCP, SoluForce has always strived to be the leader in FCP developments and innovations. This has led to various innovations like the industries only true Gas Tight FCP (SoluForce GT) and High-Temperature FCP solution with design temperatures of 105°C / 225°F (SoluForce HT).
With a number of innovations to come, we are continuing to evolve our FCP markets and products, which will enable us to continue to develop and cement our business in the region.
What are the main projects you are currently working on in the country?
Oman has always been a very important and consistent market for us. We are currently working on various projects in Oman. In fact, throughout the Middle East, we are working with various major local oil and gas companies. SoluForce FCP is used in a variety of applications. With a lot of our projects, enhanced oil recovery has a major impact on the pipeline infrastructure. Companies are incurring higher costs due to corrosion and maintenance issues.
What are the main challenges faced by pipeline operators in Oman, and how are you helping to address them?
Ageing pipelines are a huge risk as the assurance of reliable output is vital to oil and gas pipeline operators. With the increasing risk of spills, most conventional steel pipelines require regular maintenance to extend their lifetime. It makes sense to replace them with a solution that does not require any maintenance and that has proven to be extremely reliable in a variety of (harsh) environments.
Making existing or new marginal fields economically viable is a huge challenge. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) involves highly corrosive fluids, causing conventional pipelines to have constant maintenance and corrosion inhibitors. SoluForce FCP is different… SoluForce provides solutions with minimal OPEX, so it becomes an easy win-win opportunity. With our solutions, oil and gas companies are able to operate new and existing oil and gas fields significantly more efficient. Moreover, with our flexibility and short lead-times, our customers can respond quickly to requirements and developments in their fields.
How are you looking to develop your business further in Oman?
Our aim is to help companies reduce their costs and make their operation safe, durable and more efficient. In addition to our FCP solutions, service and support play a major role.
With our committed and knowledgeable team combined with a high level of service, SoluForce really does distinguish itself in the market. Because of this, all of our customers eventually come back to us. This allowed us to deliver over 3.500km of maintenance-free FCP word-wide in various applications and environments since the year 2000.
Through the SoluForce Academy, we train and support our customers’ (local) staff by improving their knowledge and experience. The SoluForce Academy allows for safe and consistent installation and operation of SoluForce systems. As a global community of certified SoluForce installers, operators, engineers, inspectors and end-users, it functions as a knowledge-sharing platform with access to a large knowledge base about SoluForce FCP.
SoluForce will also be exhibiting at the 2020 Oman Petroleum & Energy Show.
The company can be reached at phone: +31 228 355 555 or e-mail:
To know more, log on to website:www.soluforce.com or visit Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soluforce/
