Flexible pipe body and method of producing same

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016243742-A1
Application number	US-201615147802-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	May 5, 2016
Priority date	Apr 19, 2012
Publication date	Aug 25, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A flexible pipe body and methods of producing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The method may include providing a tubular length of polymeric material for forming a polymeric layer of flexible pipe body; providing a strength layer radially outwards of the polymeric layer; and treating the polymeric layer with a non-ambient temperature and pressure.

First claim

We claim:

1 . A method of producing a flexible pipe body to reduce, inhibit or prevent microcrazing, comprising:
providing a tubular length of polymeric material for forming a polymeric layer of flexible pipe body; providing a strength layer radially outwards of the polymeric layer; and treating the polymeric layer with a non-ambient temperature and pressure; wherein the step of treating comprises softening the polymeric layer and urging the polymeric layer into a closer relationship with the strength layer.

2 . A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of treating comprises treating the polymeric layer with a pressure of between 10 MPa and 350 MPa, and a temperature of between 30 degrees C. and 100 degrees C.

3 . A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of treating comprises urging portions of the polymer in the polymeric layer into gaps present in the strength layer.

4 . A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the polymer re-hardens on cooling from the non-ambient temperature.

5 . A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the strength layer comprises a pressure armour layer wound around the polymeric layer and wherein the gaps are present between the windings of the pressure armour layer.

6 . A method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising applying fluid at a pressure of between 10 MPa and 350 MPa, and a temperature of between 30 degrees C. and 100 degrees C., to substantially fill a bore of the flexible pipe body to perform the step of treating, and then subsequently performing a Factory Acceptance Test on the flexible pipe body using the fluid.

7 . A method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising applying water or oil or a glycol solution to fill a bore of the flexible pipe body.

8 . A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of treating comprises applying water at between 30 degrees C. and 50 degrees C.

9 . A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the polymeric layer is a fluoropolymer, a polyamide, or a polyphenylene sulphide.

10 . A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the polymeric layer comprises a composite mix of polymer and another component.

11 . A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of treating is carried out for 2 minutes to 24 hours.

12 . A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of treating reduces microcrazing in the polymeric layer on application of internal pressure to the pipe body causing deformation of the polymeric layer by cavitation.

13 . A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tubular length of polymeric material is provided by extrusion.

14 . A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flexible pipe body is for use in transporting production fluids from a sub-sea location.

Assignees

• Ge Oil & Gas Uk Ltd

Inventors

• Fernando Upul Shanthilal
• Dodds Neville
• Graham Geoffrey Stephen
• Davidson Michelle
• Kirton Peter
• Nott Philip
• Thompson Andrew

Classifications

• F16L53/32

  using hot fluids · CPC title

• B29C48/151

  Coating hollow articles · CPC title

• B29C48/365

  using pumps, e.g. piston pumps · CPC title

• B29C48/0021 Primary

  combined with joining, lining or laminating · CPC title

• B29C48/09

  Articles with cross-sections having partially or fully enclosed cavities, e.g. pipes or channels · CPC title