Scientists at the Far Eastern Federal University have created reinforced seals for underwater production complexes on the Arctic shelf. This was reported to TASS by the press service of FEFU. The seals are designed to seal oil pipes in the extreme conditions of the Arctic and the Far North, where the pressure is comparable to the pressure at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. In 2026, based on the developments, it is planned to create a series of seals, a prototype of a drill pipe protector, and begin designing polymer structures for reinforcing winter roads.
Characteristics of FEFU Arctic Seals
The operating temperature range has been expanded to -40°C — +180°C. Pressure — up to 100 megapascals. Resistance to hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide is 50% higher compared to the best imported analogs. Gas permeability is reduced by 25%. The design includes two components: metal reinforcement and an elastomer — their optimal combination significantly increases the service life at high pressure.
We will significantly increase the service life of equipment and minimize the risk of accidents like the one that happened in the Gulf of Mexico
Specifications of FEFU Reinforced Seals
- Working pressure: up to 100 MPa
- Temperature range: from -40 to +180°C
- Resistance to hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide: 50% higher than imported analogs
- Gas permeability: reduced by 25%
- Application: underwater production complexes, Arctic shelf, Far North
- Composition: metal reinforcement + elastomer
Until 2022, such seals were purchased from Western manufacturers. Full localization of production, according to FEFU, will reduce the cost relative to Western analogs due to the absence of customs duties and will reduce delivery times several times. For Arctic projects, where logistics is already a critical limitation, the speed of delivery of spare parts directly affects the uninterrupted operation of production.
