Magma Global has signed a joint development agreement with BP and Subsea 7 in a project to qualify Magma’s carbon fibre m-pipe as the next generation of subsea pipelines.
The programme is also supported by the National Composites Centre (NCC) and Innovate UK, the Government initiative established to support pioneering technologies in the energy sector.
The qualification programme, which runs for 30 months, targets 6in to 12in pipes for risers and jumper systems for deep water environments and includes laminate testing (Elevated T and Aged properties), single load tests (tensile, burst, collapse, bending, torsion, compression, impact) and combined load tests (axial bending, collapse bending, pressure bending, axial pressure bending).
The hope is that the results will lead to lighter and more cost efficient riser systems than currently exist to help reduce the costs of deep water field developments, and in particular those with corrosive fluids.
Similarly, jumpers or spool pipes which are subject to exceptional cyclical loads will be easier and less expensive to design and install, and will be more reliable to service. In addition the qualification programme will deliver the necessary inspection techniques to verify the long-term integrity of the systems.
Commenting on Subsea 7’s involvement in the m-pipe project Thomas Sunde , VP of Technology at Subsea 7, said that composite pipe technology has the potential to improve cost effectiveness and remove the uncertainties of schedule delivery for many subsea solutions. “Subsea 7’s focus with such initiatives is primarily to benefit our customers and to support collaborative research and development with key suppliers.”
Charles Tavner , Commercial Director Magma Global, said: “Magma Global are delighted that BP and Subsea 7 have chosen to collaborate in the qualification and deployment of Magma’s m-pipe technology. This programme is a brilliant example of how government, a major oil company, a major SURF contractor and a technology supplier can work together to deliver significant reductions in risk and cost for offshore field development.”