Qualification of Flexible Fiber-Reinforced Pipe for Ultra-deepwater Applications - Update on Phase 1 Engineering and Phase 2 Prototype Testing

摘要

This paper presents the result of the Phase 1 engineering study for a RPSEA sponsored project to develop,qualify, and field deploy flexible fiber reinforced pipe (FFRP®) for ultra-deepwater applications. Inaddition, the Phase 2 qualification testing scope of work is presented. FFRP is unbonded flexible pipe withcomposite reinforcement layers which has the advantages of light weight, high flexibility, and corrosionresistance. Due to these advantages, a simple, low top tension riser configuration is enabled. The designbasis is a 7-inch ID, 690 barg design pressure, 120°C design temperature, 3048 meter design water depthproduction riser for a Gulf of Mexico application. The Phase 1 Engineering Study confirmed the productand system design to be employed in the subsequent phases. In Phase 2, a prototype pipe will bemanufactured, and qualification testing will be conducted in accordance with API RP 17B recommendations.With successful testing, and subject to approval via a Phase 2 decision stage gate, Phase 3 willbe an actual field deployment of the riser system with six months of performance monitoring.Included in the paper is a summary of the Phase 1achievements and task deliverables. Due to its highlevel of importance, a relatively large portion of the paper is dedicated to the design of the FFRP structureand system, covering final pipe cross section arrangement, the riser system configuration and the resultsof analyses to provide a reliable prediction of the product’s behavior in various working conditions. Inaddition, a review of the Phase 2 plan is presented. The outcome of the on-going phase 2 qualificationtesting will be utilized to calibrate the design models and to confirm the suitability of the pipe design, andthe riser configuration.