#Composites

2023-12-21

MODEC and Toray jointly develop FPSO and FSO repair technique using CFRP Patch

MODEC, Inc. (MODEC) and Toray Industries, Inc. (Toray) announced that they have jointly developed a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) patch technique for repairs on Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO), and Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) systems.

FPSO and FSO repair services provided by MODEC, a general contractor specializing in engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance services of offshore oil and gas vessels, will utilize this CFRP patch technique for pitting corrosion repair from 2024.

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), which provides classification services for marine and offshore assets, approved this technique for repairing areas with diameters of up to 300 millimeters that have suffered damage from pitting corrosion.

FPSO and FSO maintenance takes place without interruption to oil and gas production. Accordingly, developing a repair technique that facilitates the efficient deployment of materials and equipment offshore and does not involve hot work is vital. These considerations prompted MODEC and Toray to jointly develop a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VaR™) process1 for CFRP repairs in 2020. ABS approved applying CFRP to steel to restore its mechanical strength.

While excellent for repairing large corrosion areas, this process was less suitable for pitting corrosion repairs. The new CFRP patch technique is a more straightforward and more effective solution in such cases. It only requires bonding prefabricated CFRP patch flat plates over pitting corrosion, thereby reducing the workforce by half and improving lead times (referring to onsite times compared with the VaRTM process and excluding materials procurement lead times).

This technique eliminates the need for vacuum pumps and other equipment and streamlines the process of transporting reinforcement materials and construction tools onboard. Moreover, this technique ensures minimal disruption in oil and gas production because it eliminated the need for hot work.

Together with Toray, MODEC will cater to the diverse corrosion repair needs of FPSO and FSO operators by offering the in-situ VaR™ technique for extensive repairs and the CFRP patch technique for localized repairs. The two companies will continue to develop repair technologies for these vessels to promptly address market needs while tackling environmental and other social issues to contribute to a sustainable economy.

Profile of MODEC, Inc.

1. Main business: Owner/operator and EPCI (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation) general contractor of floating production systems including FPSO and FSO

2. Headquarters: 3-10, Nihonbashi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

3. Founded: December 1968

4. Representative: Takeshi Kanamori, President & CEO

Profile of Toray Industries, Inc.

1. Main business: Manufacturing, processing, and selling fibers, plastics, and other basic materials

2. Headquarters: 1-1, Nihonbashi-Muromachi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

3. Established: January 1926

4. Representative: Mitsuo Ohya, president and representative director

Note 1.

See the following related releases:

MODEC obtains Approval by ABS for New Offshore Repair Method for Hull Structures of Floating Production Facilities

https://www.modec.com/news/2020/20201223_pr_CFRP.html

Toray Develops FPSO and FSO Repair and Reinforcement Technique with MODEC

https://www.toray.com/global/news/article.html?contentId=fui2dsd5

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

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Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.

Stäubli demonstrates how innovation translates into real benefits for weaving mills at SITEX 2026

One of India’s most prominent textile industry events, SITEX 2026, is held from February 21 to 23 in Surat. Committed to empowering Indian weaving mills with state‑of‑the‑art solutions tailored to regional needs, Stäubli will present a selection of solutions designed for performance, reliability, and power efficiency. Through its weaving preparation, cam and dobby shedding solutions and Jacquard technologies, Stäubli highlights its global expertise tailored to the specific needs of the local market.

Itema exhibits the two best-selling high-end rapier weaving machines of the Region, R9500EVO and Galileo-RX at SITEX 2026

Following the opening of its new Surat Service Center in November, Itema will exhibit at SITEX (Stand 286) from February 21st to 23rd at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC). Surat has long been one of Itema’s most strategic markets, a role further reinforced by the inauguration of the Surat Service Center last November. Equipped with an advanced electronic repair center, a weaving machine behavior simulator, and a local spare parts warehouse, the new facility strengthens Itema’s presence in the region while bringing the company even closer to its Customers.