Published: March 1999 | Institute of Marine Engineers; “Deep and ultra deep water Offshore Technology” | March, 1999 | Newcastle Upon Tyne, ENGLAND
Abstract
This paper discusses the development of unbonded flexible pipe technology to meet the challenges of ultra deep water floating production systems. Flexible pipe is a multi-layer structure of helically wound metallic wires and tapes and extruded thermoplastics. By considering the integrated design of the layers of the flexible pipe, greater structural utilisation is achieved. The collapse resistance of the carcass is enhanced by the support of the hoop strength layer. The tensile armour layer in conventional pipe consists of high strength steel rectangular wires wound in opposing directions to provide torque balance.
These are replaced by light weight carbon fibre/polymer thermoplastic composite strip. Significant weight reductions are achieved for pipes designed to meet the same performance requirements. Some of the results of tests conducted to qualify the composite armour pipe structure are presented herein. Finally an example based on the functional design techniques is presented to illustrate the advantage of using hybrid unbonded flexible risers for the deep and ultra deep water developments.
Authors:
Tuohy, J.
Justin Tuohy | @pen 