Alcoa scores shale pipe contract
3rd Aug 2012
AUG 3 - Alcoa Inc is opening up new markets for aluminium products, winning a contract to supply drill pipes for shale gas wells.
The contract with Pennsylvania General Energy will see Alcoa produce more than 1000m of 11cm diameter drill pipe.
PGE operates natural gas wells in the Marcellus Shale formation in Pennsylvania, US.
The use of aluminium instead of steel, which is more common for drill pipe, will allow PGE to drill deeper and use less energy.
Aluminium and aluminium alloys are increasingly being used as a substitute for steel, as it is as strong as steel but lighter.
Alcoa said its pipe design and construction make it up to 50 percent lighter than steel pipe, yet with the durability and strength of steel.
This has benefits in reducing torque and drag, making the aluminium pipes more efficient for deep drilling.
The companies have not released the financial details of the deal.
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