Castrol, an oil company that manufactures industrial and automotive lubricants, has launched Transaqua SP-HC, a new hydraulic control fluid under its Transaqua range.

According to the company, the fluid has been formulated for use as the control fluid in subsea production control systems, delivering all-round subsea production system protection.

Castrol Transaqua SP-HC is reportedly suitable for electro-hydraulic multiplex (EH-Mux) or direct hydraulic control systems in high-pressure, deep-water gas projects exceeding 20,000 psi (1379 bar), where entrained gas might contaminate control lines, creating a risk of hydrate formation. The product is designed for use throughout production and workover control systems, including downhole subsurface safety valve (SSSV) and intelligent well completions, the company added.

Further, Castrol Transaqua SP-HC protects against corrosion of carbon steels, tolerating up to 30% seawater contamination based on vapor phase and immersion corrosion testing. It also demonstrated stability with common system contaminants, such as seawater, from up to 50% and completion brines. It has been developed to operate in extreme temperature ranges of -50º C (-58º F) to 150º C (302º F).

Castrol Transaqua SP-HC is compatible with many materials commonly used in subsea control systems based on industry-standard API 17F protocols. It can be mixed in all proportions with other products in the Castrol Transaqua range and other water-based subsea control fluids.