In most offshore settings, a flexible riser typically comprises one continuously manufactured riser section terminated with end fittings. However, a dynamic riser can consist of two or more sections with an intermediate flanged connection joining the end fittings of each section together, to suit transportation or installation purposes or even design requirements. Outside the Brazilian sector, however, there appears to be a widespread lack of confidence in the use of intermediate connections in dynamic flexible risers. This is due to real but also perceived factors such as the introduction of an additional leak path, increasing risk; the higher cost associated with the additional section and hardware such as bend stiffeners; increased offshore installation time; restrictions in annulus monitoring; armor wire fatigue in end fittings; and a limited (published) track record of the performance of intermediate connections offshore.
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