Situation
TechnipFMC is the world leader in the design and manufacture of flexible pipe. A flexible pipe is made up of several different layers. The main components are leakproof thermoplastic barriers and corrosion-resistant steel wires.
As well as supporting Technip FMC on the qualification of subsea production system (SPS) hardware, we have performed collapse testing on multiple pipe samples to support Technip’s subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines (SURF) product lines.
The purpose of the collapse testing was to verify the structural integrity of newly designed flexible pipelines. These pipelines are set to be installed in offshore oil and gas applications.
Approach
Due to its combined length and maximum operating pressure, hyperbaric testing chamber TPT 6 was selected to house one particularly long pipe sample. With a length of over 6.5m and an ability to simulate pressures to 600 Bar, equivalent to over 6,000 metres below sea level, chamber TPT 6 comfortably accommodated the 4 metre length pipeline sample.
To mimick increasing water depths, the external pressure on each pipeline sample was increased in intervals until the point of collapse. Testing in this way ensures that the maximum operating parameters of the pipeline samples can be confirmed.
The testing was overseen by our experienced on-site engineers and two client witnesses from France, who were present for the critical steps of the process. The witnesses were provided with a post-test document pack containing raw test data, test record sheets and certification.
We performed collapse testing on a 4m long sample with a maximum diameter of 0.6m in Tyne Pressure Testing’s facilities. We increased the external pressure until the collapse of the sample between 400 Bar and 500 Bar.
Result
During inspection, the data confirmed that the flexible pipeline samples were suitable for offshore oil and gas applications. The success of this initial test resulted in additional test sequences posing similar demands.
Our nine hyperbaric pressure testing chambers provide the flexibility to suit various components in terms of both size and pressure. This, along with an understanding of client requirements and the demands of global industry standards, means Tyne Pressure Testing continues to be a preferred partner for engineering contractors requiring destructive testing for products designed for the oil and gas industry.