Effect of Tension on Collapse Performance of Flexible Pipes

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of tension on collapse performance of flexible pipes. In the design of flexible pipelines for offshore field developments, one of the failure modes being associated with external pressure and bending loadings is the hydrostatic collapse. In accordance with standards, TechnipFMC methodology for flexible pipe collapse resistance determination ensures a robust design. The model has an analytical basis, leading to a fast and straightforward use. It has been validated with more than 200 tests performed on all possible pipe constructions on straight and curved configurations. TechnipFMC and IFP Energies nouvelles have also developed and improved over the past few years a Finite Elements Model dedicated to flexible riser studies. It takes full advantage of the structure periodicities such that a whole riser can be studied with a short length and low CPU cost model associated to specific periodicity conditions. The model is able to represent bent risers in various configurations (bending cycles, internal and external pressure, axial tension, torsion) and has been used for collapse prediction of flexible risers under tension. Additionally, a specific test protocol has been developed to be able to carry out a collapse test associated to tension. The purpose of this paper is to present the collapse test result, the specific development of the model for collapse and tension and the corresponding calculations performed with the Finite Elements Model on several structures, demonstrating that there is no negative influence of tension on collapse mode. It also gives a better understanding on the interaction between tension in the armor layers and collapse phenomenon.