Justin Tuohy Publications

Combining Innovative Design Techniques with Advanced Materials – Flexible Pipe Continues to Pioneer Ultra Deep Water Riser System Solutions

Published: June 2000 | IBC 5th Annual Conference “Advances in Riser Technologies” | June 5, 2000 | Aberdeen, Scotland

Abstract

This paper discusses how unbonded flexible pipe technology has overcome the challenges of floating production systems in deep water and continues to be the pioneer for ultra deep water riser system solutions. Since flexible pipe is a multi-layer structure of helically wound metallic wires and tapes and extruded thermoplastics, greater structural utilisation is achieved by considering the integrated design of the layers in its make-up. Reference is made to functional design techniques to illustrate the advantages of using hybrid unbonded flexible risers to span the water column. Continued with an overview of the solutions provided to overcome some of the other ultra deep water challenges such as axial compression during installation, to the development of flow assurance techniques to overcome temperature issues during operation and shutdown, are addressed herein. Finally, an insight into the research and development program which led to Wellstream being the leaders in qualification of conventional flexible pipe technology in water depths of 2000m is given.

Authors:

Tuohy, J., Fraser, D.

Justin Tuohy Publications

Unbonded flexible pipe solutions for the ultra deep water challenge

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 Publications

The use of Unbonded Flexible Pipe Technology in the Onshore and Offshore Oil & Gas Industry

Published: September 1998 | Western European Graduate Education in Marine Technology (WEGEMT) 27th School, Modern Marine Design | September 9, 1998 | University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

Abstract

This paper discusses the development and makeup of unbonded flexible pipe technology for the Offshore and Onshore Oil & Gas Industry. Focus is given to the design, manufacture, and testing of unbonded flexible pipe to meet the challenges of shallow and deep water floating production systems. Flexible pipe is a multi-layer structure of helically wound metallic wires and tapes and extruded thermoplastics. Layer by layer, the typical materials employed in the flexible pipe are described along with their functional requirements within the overall pipe structure. From micro finite element analysis to predict the behaviour of the layers of the pipe to global finite element analysis which takes into consideration the environmental and vessel loading on the pipe structure are considered herein. Functional and design requirements are described, along with material selection and manufacturing requirements. The documentation generated with the product design and manufacture is presented. Finally the factory acceptance tests performed prior to load out are described, as well as packaging and a brief overview of installation.

 

Authors:

Tuohy, J.