An elongate element (300) for a flexible pipe body (100) and method of producing the same are disclosed. The method includes inserting a first fibre element (304) in a crush resistant elongate tube element (302), wherein the first fibre element is suitable for monitoring at least one of strain, temperature and acoustic properties; inserting a further fibre element (306) in the tube element, wherein the further fibre element is suitable for curing a matrix material (308); and inserting a matrix material into the tube element to fill at least a length of the tube element such that the first and further fibres elements within that length are surrounded by matrix material.
B29C 35/02 - Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
F16L 11/12 - Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with arrangements for particular purposes, e.g. specially profiled, with protecting layer, heated, electrically conducting
G01D 5/26 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
A flexible pipe body and method of manufacturing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes a fluid retaining layer (306) for preventing ingress of fluid into the flexible pipe body from an environment outside of the flexible pipe body; and a fibre element (310) arranged generally along a longitudinal axis of the fluid retaining layer (306).
F16L 11/08 - Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with reinforcements embedded in the wall
F16L 11/12 - Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with arrangements for particular purposes, e.g. specially profiled, with protecting layer, heated, electrically conducting
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
Flexible pipe body and method of manufacturing a flexible pipe body, the pipe body including a flexible pipe body, comprising: a tubular layer (304) for forming a collapse resistant layer, the layer comprising corrugations, the layer having a radially inner surface (314) and a radially outer surface (312), and each of the radially inner and radially outer surfaces having at least one groove (318, 322) provided therein, and at least one reinforcing element (310, 810) provided at least partially within the groove of at least one of the radially outer surface and the radially inner surface.
Flexible pipe body and method of manufacturing a flexible pipe body, the pipe body including a tubular layer (304) of corrugated material for forming a collapse resistant layer, wherein a radially outer surface of the layer has alternately repeating grooves (318) and ridges (316), and a radially inner surface of the layer has respective alternately repeating ridges (320) and grooves (322), and a filler element (310) provided adjacent the grooves of at least one of the radially outer surface and the radially inner surface, such that for the said surface, the filler element substantially fills a void extending between adjacent grooves and ridges, thereby providing a substantially non-undulating surface along the ridges.
A flexible pipe body (400) and method of producing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The flexible pipe body (400) includes a collapse resistant layer (404); and a fluid retaining layer (406) provided radially outwards of the collapse resistant layer (404), wherein the collapse resistant layer (404) comprises at least one elongate band of material having a cross-sectional profile having a fill factor of between 60 and 95 %.
A flexible pipe body and method of manufacturing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The pipe body includes a carcass layer (303) including a plurality of adjacent interlocked annular elements (301), each annular element comprising a main body portion communicating with a male connection region and a female connection region, the male connection region for interlocking with a corresponding female connection region of an adjacent annular element and the female connection region for interlocking with a corresponding male connection region of an adjacent annular element, and a filler material filling an annulus area defined by the main body portion, male connection region and female connection region.
A flexible pipe body (100) including a layer comprising a first elongate tape element (302) and a further elongate tape element (304), the first and further tape elements being alternately wound in a helical manner such that each first tape element winding lies between further tape element windings, the first tape element having a cross sectional profile including a central body (306)extending from a radially inner edge (308) to a radially outer edge (310) and first and further side lobes (312, 314) extending from the central body outwards along the radially inner edge, the further tape element having a cross sectional profile including a central body (328) extending from a radially inner edge (308) to a radially outer edge (310) and first and further side lobes (334, 336) extending from the central body outwards along the radially outer edge, wherein a first side wall portion (346) of the central body (328) of the further tape element (304) is provided in continuous sliding contact with one of the first or further side lobes (312, 314) of the first tape element.
A flexible pipe body (100) and method of producing such a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The method includes providing a length of composite material (300) of thermoplastic (302) or thermosetting material with an electrically conductive material (304) dispersed therein, applying the length to a mandrel (401) or a layer of flexible pipe body, and heating the length by induction heating using an induction heating coil 403 to cure the thermoplastic or thermosetting material.
B29C 53/64 - Winding and joining, e.g. winding spirally helically using internal forming surfaces, e.g. mandrels rotatable about the winding axis and moving axially
B29C 53/58 - Winding and joining, e.g. winding spirally helically
F16L 11/127 - Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with arrangements for particular purposes, e.g. specially profiled, with protecting layer, heated, electrically conducting electrically conducting
A flexible pipe body for transporting production fluids containing one or more acidic components comprises a fluid-retaining inner polymeric barrier layer and at least one layer including a metallic component and arranged outside said barrier layer, wherein said polymeric barrier layer comprises a first, inner, sub-layer of a polymeric barrier material through which at least some of said acidic component may permeate and a second sub¬ layer [formed on said first sub-layer] including a material capable of reacting chemically with said acidic component to form reaction products which are non-corrosive to said metallic component.
B32B 15/08 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
F16L 11/04 - Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics
A flexible pipe body and method of producing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes a layer comprising a tape element formed from at least a first sub-layer (415)sandwiched be¬ tween two further sub-layers (417, 419), wherein the first sub-layer has a lower density than at least one of the two further sub-layers.
A buoyancy compensating element (500) for connection to a flexible pipe (520) and method of producing a buoyancy compensating element are disclosed. The buoyancy compensating element (500) includes a first body portion (502) and a further body portion (504), wherein the first and further body portion are configured to be connectable to each other and in use to encompass a portion of flexible pipe (520).
A buoyancy compensating element (60)0 for connection to a flexible pipe (620) and method of producing a buoyancy compensating element are disclosed for increasing or decreasing buoyancy of the portion of flexible pipe. The buoyancy compensating element (600) includes a body portion (602/604); and a channel (616a) extending through the body portion for receiving a portion of flexible pipe (620), wherein the body portion and channel are configured such that when a portion of flexible pipe (620) is received in the channel (616a), the portion of pipe has increasing ability to flex towards an end of the channel.
A riser assembly and method of producing a riser assembly for transporting fluids from a sub-sea locationis disclosed. The assembly includes a riser comprising at least one segment of flexible pipe, the riser having a first end for connection to a floating facility and a further end;at least one buoyancy element for enablinga portion of the riserto form a hog bend configuration and an adjacent portion of the riser to form a sag bend configuration; anda weight element provided between the first end of the riser and the at least one buoyancy element, such that in an initial deployment position, the weight element is provided at least partially in the sag bend portion of the riser.
An elongate tape and method of producing an elongate tape are disclosed. The tape is suitable for forming a helically wound layer of interlocked windings in a flexible pipe body, and is configured for interlocking with adjacent windings, wherein the tape has a cross- sectional profile including: a first surface that in use forms a radially inner surface of the helically wound layer; a further surface, in use forming a side wall extending radially outwards, away from the first surface, and for forming a contact surface with a region of an adjacent winding;and a transition surface joining the first surface and further surface, wherein the transition surface comprises a curved surface, and wherein the curved surface has a larger radius of curvature in a region proximate the first surface than in a region proximate the further surface.
An end fitting (300), flexible pipe (100), riser (203), and method of producing the same are disclosed. A method of venting gas from annuli (312, 319) of a flexible pipe is also disclosed. The end fitting includes a first vent flow fluid communication path (311) and a further vent flow fluid communication path (318). The end fitting is capable of enabling gas to be vented from a flexible pipe body with two annulus regions (312, 319).
F16L 33/01 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses specially adapted for hoses having a multi-layer wall
16.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE IN A FLUID
Apparatus and method for maintaining temperature in a sub-sea device, in particular in relation to fluid in the device (100). A material having a high latent heat on phase change is used to release latent heat to the fluid when the fluid temperature decreases towards a threshold value.
A riser assembly and method of producing a riser assembly are dis¬ closed. The riser assembly (300) includes a riser (302) having a plurality of buoyancy elements (3046-7) provided at predetermined intervals along the length of the riser for supporting the riser, and at least one further buoyancy element (3041-5) arranged to support the riser in a configuration for accommodating tension changes in the riser due to vessel movement.
A buoyancy element, riser assembly including a buoyancy element and a method of supporting a riser are disclosed. The buoyancy element (400) includes a body (402) of at least partly flexible structure having a volume that is adjustable between an expanded and contracted position, and an entry port (404) for fluid to be supplied to and/or removed from the body to thereby adjust the volume of the body.
A fluid sealing element, a fluid sealing assembly, a method of providing a fluid seal, and a method of terminating a flexible pipe body in an end fitting are disclosed. The fluid sealing element (802) has an annular body portion locatable between an end fitting body (801) and an inner collar member (808) of an end fitting, and a tapered portion extending substantially perpendicular to the annular body portion at a radially inner region thereof. The method includes urging a fluid retaining layer (804) of a flexible pipe radially outwardly against an abutment surface of the inner collar member of the end fitting.
F16L 33/01 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses specially adapted for hoses having a multi-layer wall
F16L 33/28 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses for hoses with one end terminating in a radial flange or collar
To produce a flexible pipe body, a length of tensile armour element (300) of pre-preg composite material is fed towards a fluid- retaining layer (602). The tensile armour element (300) passes through a guide (604) an a pre-heater (606). The tensile armour element (300) is then applied to the fluid-retaining layer (602), being wrapped around the fluid- retaining layer (602) by virtue of the rotation of the layer (602), the linear translation of the layer (602), and the fixed position of the tensile armour element feed (601). The element (300) is fed to the fluid- retaining layer under a constant, predetermined controlled tension. Positioning head (608) helps to position the element (300) on the fluid-retaining layer (602). As tensile armour element is wound onto the pipe body, the pipe body continues to move in a, linear direction and the pipe body moves through an oven (610).
A riser assembly (400) and method for transporting fluids from a sub- sea location (404) are disclosed. The riser (406) assembly includes a riser comprising at least one segment of flexible pipe; at least one buoyancy element (408) for providing a positive buoyancy to a portion of the riser; and a tethering element (410) for tethering the buoyancy element to a fixed structure (412 ) and to resist the positive buoyancy of the buoyancy element.
Apparatus and method for supporting a riser are disclosed. The apparatus includes an anchoring element (420) for anchoring a riser to a fixed structure, and a supporting portion (412) configured to support a section of flexible pipe (406), the supporting portion having a bearing surface for the section of flexible pipe to bear against to thereby restrain the flexible pipe from upward movement.
Apparatus and method of manufacturing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The method may include providing a fluid retaining layer; wrapping a plurality of tensile armour elements around the fluid retaining layer; and wrapping a crush resistant elongate body that houses at least one fibre element around the fluid retaining layer and radially between two of the plurality of tensile armour elements. Matrix material provided in the elongate body may be cured subsequent to fitting the pipe body to an end fitting.
F16L 11/08 - Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with reinforcements embedded in the wall
F16L 11/12 - Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with arrangements for particular purposes, e.g. specially profiled, with protecting layer, heated, electrically conducting
F16L 33/01 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses specially adapted for hoses having a multi-layer wall
Apparatus and method for monitoring at least one parameter associated with an elongate structure are disclosed. The apparatus may include at least one elongate support body element arranged along a longitudinal structure axis associated with an elongate target structure; and at least one optic fibre element arranged substantially helically along a longitudinal body element axis associated with the at least one support body element. A method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is also disclosed.
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
Apparatus for providing a thermal insulation layer in a flexible pipe, including one or more encapsulated regions of aerogel material disposed in a layer of flexible pipe body is disclosed. In addition, flexible pipe body including such apparatus, and a method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is disclosed.
Flexible pipe body for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location, including a carcass layer comprising a plurality of independent hoop elements each comprising a body portion having a circular outer surface that circles around an inner circumference of a bore region of the flexible pipe, said body portion being arranged to interlock adjacent hoop elements together. A method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is also enclosed.
Flexible pipe body for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location includes a carcass layer comprising adjacent interlocked annular elements each comprising a body portion that extends around an inner circumference of a bore region and a channel region provided within the body. A method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is also disclosed.
A method and apparatus are disclosed for transporting and/or unloading and/or installing a flexible pipe. The apparatus comprises at least one support member (310) for supporting a reel member (302) carrying a wound flexible pipe and a plurality of reel rim guide elements (320) for locating the reel member (302) at a desired location with respect to the support member (310).
B65H 54/42 - Arrangements for rotating packages in which the package, core, or former is rotated by frictional contact of its periphery with a driving surface
E21B 19/22 - Handling reeled pipe or rod units, e.g. flexible drilling pipes
F16L 1/20 - Accessories therefor, e.g. floats or weights
Apparatus and a method are disclosed for venting gas from an annulus region of a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of depressurising a bore region of a flexible pipe and via at least one vent flow fluid communication path, venting gas from an annulus region of the flexible pipe into the bore region.
A method and apparatus for reducing fluid turbulence in a flexible pipe are disclosed. The method includes the steps of urging an elongate roll (60) of liner material along a bore region provided by an inner surface (40) of an innermost layer of a flexible pipe body, and at least partially unfurling the roll of liner material thereby extending the roll of liner material radially outwardly in the bore region into an abutting relationship against the inner surface of the carcass.
An elongate metallic or polymeric or composite tape is disclosed along with a method of manufacturing such tape. The tape is of a type suitable for forming at least one helically wound layer of interlocked windings in a flexible pipe body for transporting production fluids. The tape is configured for interlocking of adjacent windings in the layer of tape by nesting a hooked region of a winding in a valley region of an adjacent winding. The tape comprises first and second elongate tape elements arranged in contacting relation.
A method for manufacturing flexible pipe body and flexible pipe body of a type suitable for transporting production fluids is disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes an armour layer comprising interlocked windings of armour tape comprising at least one armour locating element and a reinforcement layer comprising a layer of reinforcement tape comprising at least one reinforcement locating element over the armour layer. The armour locating element and reinforcement locating element locate windings of the reinforcement tape with respect to respective windings of the armour tape.
Use of a boron holding grease or fluid or oil for the purpose of increasing acid resistance and/or corrosion resistance in at least one metallic component of a flexible pipe body.
C23C 8/42 - Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfacesChemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals using liquids, e.g. salt baths, liquid suspensions only one element being applied
34.
FLEXIBLE PIPE HAVING PRESSURE ARMOUR LAYER AND COMPONENTS THEREOF
An elongate tape element and method of manufacturing flexible pipe body are disclosed. The elongate tape element (12) which is for providing at least one helically wound layer of windings in a flexible pipe body (10), comprises an elongate body having a base surface (20), a top surface (22) opposed to the base surface and opposed first and second side walls (24,26) extending between the base and top surfaces wherein at least one surface and/or side wall of the body comprises a recessed region for receiving a respective portion of a tape element holder member when said tape element is wound to form a layer of windings.
A riser or jumper assembly for transporting production, exportation or injection fluids is disclosed as is a method for providing buoyancy to such an assembly. The riser or jumper assembly includes a first segment of flexible pipe comprising a portion of flexible pipe body and a first and second end fitting, a further segment of flexible pipe comprising a portion of flexible pipe body and a first and second end fitting and an intermediate segment of flexible pipe comprising a portion of flexible pipe body and a first and second end fitting and at least one buoyancy element.
A flexible pipe body and a method of manufacturing flexible pipe body and- a tape used during the manufacturing are disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes at least one layer of helically wound tape (30), adjacent windings in the layer of tape being interlocked by a hooked region (39) of a winding nested in a valley region (36) of an adjacent winding wherein the tape (30) has a cross-sectional profile comprising a first contact surface (33) and parallel spaced apart side walls (31, 32) substantially perpendicular to the contact surface (33).
A method and apparatus are disclosed for supporting a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of responsive to a change in at least one condition experienced by a flexible pipe, varying an amount of support provided at at least one location on the flexible pipe.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of producing a solid polymer, which comprises mixing a polymer solution with a liquid, wherein the polymer is insoluble in the liquid and is dissolved in a solvent which is miscible with the liquid; and precipitating the polymer from the resulting mixture. The disclosed method is particularly useful for the production of nanocomposites.
C08J 3/14 - Powdering or granulating by precipitation from solutions
C08J 3/215 - Compounding polymers with additives, e.g. colouring in the presence of a liquid phase the polymer being premixed with a liquid phase at least one additive being also premixed with a liquid phase
C08J 9/00 - Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materialsAfter-treatment thereof
C08J 5/00 - Manufacture of articles or shaped materials containing macromolecular substances
C08J 9/12 - Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materialsAfter-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent by a physical blowing agent
F16L 58/10 - Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics
A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing the integrity of a portion of flexible pipe body (100). The method includes the steps of, via at least one port in an end fitting assembly in which an end of a portion of flexible pipe body is terminated, monitoring at least one parameter associated with an annulus region disposed between layers of the flexible pipe body, the annulus region being connected to the port by a connecting passageway (316).
A method and apparatus is disclosed for governing motion of a bend stiffener (30) along a flexible pipe. The apparatus includes a stopper clamp (40) secured to a portion of flexible pipe body and at least one retardation element (44) located on the flexible pipe body at a predetermined position with respect to the stopper clamp. The retardation element is arranged to reduce momentum of a bend stiffener as it moves along the portion of flexible pipe body in a direction towards the stopper clamp.
A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing an outer collar member of an end fitting for a flexible pipe. The apparatus comprises an outer collar body portion and an outer collar neck portion extending away from the outer collar body portion. The neck portion is arranged to be secured to a portion of flexible pipe body in a slotted position between layers of the flexible pipe body. The position is located between an outer sheath of the flexible pipe body and at least one armour layer of the flexible pipe body wherein the outer collar body portion comprises a curved inner surface region for determining a radius of curvature of wires of the armour layer bent away from an axis of the flexible pipe bodies and supported by the curved inner surface when the pipe body is mounted in the end fitting.
F16L 33/01 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses specially adapted for hoses having a multi-layer wall
A method and apparatus for securing wires (312) of at least one armour layer (106) of a portion of flexible pipe body (100) in an end fitting (300) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of bending wires of at least one armour layer away from an axis of the flexible pipe body at a predetermined location, locating each wire of the armour layer in a respective groove (900) formed in a contact surface of at least one of an inner collar member (500) and an outer collar member (700) of the end fitting (300) and urging contact surfaces of the inner collar member and the outer collar member together to thereby lock wires of the armour layer in a fixed position at said predetermined location in the end fitting.
F16L 33/01 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses specially adapted for hoses having a multi-layer wall
A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing an end fitting for a flexible pipe. The apparatus comprises an end fitting body having an open mouth for receiving an open end of a portion of flexible pipe body and an inner collar member to which the end fitting body is securable. The inner collar member includes a collar body portion and a neck portion extending away from the collar body portion. When the end fitting body is secured to the collar member the neck portion of the collar member extends in an axial direction away from the end fitting body to a region proximate to where at least one armour wire layer of the flexible pipe body is located.
F16L 33/01 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses specially adapted for hoses having a multi-layer wall
A method and apparatus for securing an end fitting to a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The method includes the steps of securing an open end of a portion of flexible pipe body to an inner collar member (500), urging an open mouth of a body portion of an end fitting towards the flexible pipe body and inner collar member and securing the end fitting body portion to the inner collar member.
F16L 33/01 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses specially adapted for hoses having a multi-layer wall
A riser assembly and method for providing buoyancy to a riser assembly are disclosed. The riser assembly which is of the type for transporting fluids from a sub-sea flowline to a floating structure comprises a first segment of flexible pipe, a further segment of flexible pipe and a rigid buoyancy support for providing at least one buoyancy element at the support.
An apparatus and method are disclosed relating to a multi-layer flexible pipe for conveying a target fluid. The pipe includes a core layer arranged to provide an inner bore along which a fluid can flow and at least one barrier layer having a tensile elongation at yield of greater than 5% at a temperature of 23°C.
F16L 11/04 - Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics
B29C 47/00 - Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor (extrusion blow-moulding B29C 49/04)
patents
