Polymics

Leak-Proof Spill Containment System for Oil & Gas Applications

By Tim Hsu, Ph.D. Lin Zhang www.polymics.com

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Founded 1994 in State College, PA. Privately Owned Manufacturer Technology Focused

150 employees globally (50 US) Multiple patents on ultra-high performance

polymers being used by the Oil & Gas Industry

Production Facilities in US, China and Taiwan Headquartered in State College, PA 3 shifts provide 24 hour capability Houston Sales & Support Office, TX

Manufacturing – Vertically Integrated Polymer Synthesis & Production Specialty Formulation & Compounding Compression & Injection Molding Extrusion, Pultrusion & Filament Winding Centrifugal Assisted Molding Powder & Coating Technology Testing & Pilot Development Laboratory

Clients include – Halliburton, Schlumberger

Company Profile

• Contain mud & frac fluid (water, sand, & chemicals) at drill sites

• Mat to be laid on graded patch of land with easy Installation & removal

• Mat to bear the load of any vehicle & containers On-Site

• Mat to provide leak-proof barrier without the need for an additional liner

Objectives in Drill Site Spill Containment

Current Issues & Opportunities • Limited supplier & availability of existing system components in use

• No primary sealing function provided by existing mat system

• Liner used as secondary seal but subject to tear, wear & potential for leakage

• Heavy components with complex Interlocking mechanism

• Difficult to dissemble during cold weather due to mud buildup

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Desirable Features by End Users (Determined through Collaboration with Penn State)

• Leak Proof (proven through PSU Testing)• Installation without heavy equipment• Reusable (Durable)• Cost effective with minimal environmental impacts• Easy to transport from site to site• Manufacturability• Highly Functional (easy access, non-slip, built – in leak detection, etc.)• Quick assembly & disassembly

Target Technical Specifications• Single piece dimensions not to exceed 10 ft. x 20 ft.• Material properties of the mat meets all loading requirements• Electrostatic dissipative desirable

Current Design – System Overview

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Key Features:

•Each 5’ by 10’ mat weighs less than 150 Ibs! (compared to over 500 lbs for the current Polyolefin mat system)

•Mats provide primary sealing eliminating the need for protective liner

•Significantly improved wear resistance

•Easy to assemble and disassemble

Material Selection: Glass Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composite *Carbon fiber reinforced system could be used for specialty needs

Current Design - Mat

Internal Attachment

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• Groves are cut on each side of the mat • Each mat is slid onto the interlocking support beam system• Gasket ensures leak proof connection between mats• No bolts are required for the attachment• “Brick Pattern” layout is adapted to ensure no leakage at the junction

Note: Mats currently utilized in Europe during mining operations to build temporary roads(proven strength and durability)

Current Curb Design

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• Consistent design with thermoplastic GF composite formed curb

• Interlocking mechanism for sealing• Slides into the mat, no bolts required• Easy to manufacture and install • All pieces connect internally with secondary seal

a. Interconnecting Frame

Key Structural Components

b. Pultruded GRE channel

c. Interlocking internal connection with primary sealing function

Allows Leak Detection Sensors and Hot Air Circulation during Winter

Cost & Supply Chain: • Leasing Program will provide competitive cost versus existing system

• Elimination of protective liner reduces overall cost (and leak proof mat system eliminates environmental impacts/ costs)

•Light Weight Components & Ease of Installation save on shipping and handling (install/ disassembly) Costs

• All components currently available to offer system at this time

Path Forward

• Manufacture Prototype system for initial Pad test• Goal: Mats and other components for demonstration

available in 60 to 90 days • Produce 300 mats (15,000 sq. ft. pad)

• Team with drilling company to gather all performance data

• Ongoing research collaborative with PSU sponsoring graduate research on specific topics

Summary

• Novel mat system will provide cost effective alternative to existing system

• In addition to providing leak and spill containment, elimination of protective liner also further reduces waste and other environmental impacts

• Thermoplastic fiber reinforced mat and curb design are ready for full scale production & job site evaluation

• Assembly and manufacturing plant can all occur in PA with minimal capital investment

Acknowledgement

• Minuteman Environmental Services

• Chesapeake Energy

• PSU Learning Factory