Solving subsea protection challenges with Polymat

Every subsea project brings its own combination of engineering, installation and operational requirements.

For pipeline installations, seabed stability and movement may be important design considerations. At cable crossings, project teams must consider how intersecting infrastructure will be protected. For equipment stored subsea, support and retrieval arrangements need to be taken into account.

These challenges require solutions that are selected around the application.

Polymat is designed to provide general protection and stabilisation for subsea cables and pipelines, offering a configurable option for projects with specific seabed requirements. It can be used as an alternative to concrete mattresses where impact and abrasion protection are key design considerations. Unlike concrete, Polymat is a flexible polyurethane solution rather than a brittle material.

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The challenge: protection in a demanding environment

Consider a subsea installation where a cable or pipeline requires additional protection and stabilisation at a defined location.

The engineering team needs to assess the line configuration, local seabed conditions, installation methodology and the type of protection required.

The solution must be appropriate for the intended application, while also taking account of the practicalities of offshore deployment and any future recovery requirements.

There is no single configuration that will suit every installation. The design must reflect the project's specific needs.

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The solution: a configurable seabed mat

Polymat is made from marine grade polyurethane and combines several design features intended to address subsea protection and handling requirements.

• Weighted construction - Steel ballast inserts provide additional weight to support seabed stability.
• Flexible moulded grooves - The grooves are designed to conform to pipeline profiles, supporting use in relevant pipeline protection and stabilisation applications.
• Installation and recovery considerations - ROV installation capability and edge moulded lifting holes support handling, installation and recovery
• Project-specific configuration - Polymat is available in custom sizes and weights to suit particular project requirements.

These features provide engineers with several factors to consider when evaluating the product for a subsea application.

Considering the value beyond installation

Choosing a subsea protection system involves more than assessing the initial equipment cost.

Project teams also need to consider installation logistics, compatibility with the infrastructure, protection requirements and the intended operating environment.

A suitable solution should be assessed against the specific risks it is intended to address, alongside its installation and recovery requirements.

Polymat is designed for long-term subsea immersion and is resistant to repeated impacts at the same location, unlike concrete mattresses.

The relevance of these characteristics will depend on the project conditions and the alternatives being evaluated.

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A project-specific approach to subsea engineering

Successful subsea protection starts with a clear understanding of the engineering challenge.

With configurable sizes and weights, Polymat can be tailored to the requirements of applications including subsea cable protection, cable crossings, pipeline stabilisation and seabed storage.

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Alternative solutions to suit your requirements

Every subsea project presents different engineering and installation challenges. Alongside Polymat, AIS Group offers alternative solutions, including Mudmat from Ovun, which is available in standard sizes and designed for subsea support, landing and positioning devices and protection applications.

By considering the application, handling requirements and operational demands, our team can help identify a suitable solution for your project.

Contact our team to discuss your application and find out what solution will work best for you.

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