Feiplastic ’19: Solvay expects higher PVDF demand from Brazil pre-salt

Al Greenwood

24-Apr-2019

SAO PAULO (ICIS)–Rising oil production in Brazil’s offshore pre-salt basins should increase demand for polyvinlylidene fluoride (PVDF), a specialty polymer used in flexible risers, company managers with Solvay said.

Recent reforms in Brazil have made it easier for companies other than Petrobras to participate in the nation’s oil and gas industry, said Josimar Fazolare, Solvay specialty polymers, commercial director – South America.

He made his comments on the sidelines of the Feiplastic plastic trade show.

As it is, just a third of Brazil’s pre-salt basin is under production or has been explored, Fazolare said.

The combination of the reforms and the potential for further growth should increase demand for polymers that can tolerate the extreme conditions associated with Brazil’s pre-salt formation.

The flexible risers used in the pre-salt often have to pass through 7,000 metres of water, rock and salt before they can reach oil, said Neville Camargo, specialty polymers, marketing manager South America, Solvay.

The sheer size of the risers makes them vulnerable to collapse. The depths that they must reach also exposes the risers to extreme pressure and temperature.

These conditions make Solvay’s PVDF ideal for flexible risers, Camargo said.

Solvay is not the only company that expects energy production to continue increasing in Brazil.

Braskem also expects oil production to increase.

If these forecasts become true, then increased oil production should provide Brazil’s crackers with more domestic sources naphtha and ethane.

The Feira Internacional do Plastic (Feiplastic) takes place on 22-26 April in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Interview article by Al Greenwood

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