The primary purpose of this program is to assess the existing technologies and practices of using composite materials to repair offshore corroded sections of risers above mean water level, and to explore improvement and extensions to the existing technologies. The project will include the technical evaluation and full-scale testing of existing repair systems under realistic loads. Finite element analyses will be completed to illustrate and assess the reinforcement provided by particular composite systems. Furthermore, a hybrid glass-carbon fiber reinforcement system will be evaluated to as a means of providing a robust underwater repair system. The testing program and procedures are being developed for riser application scenarios to develop a realistic set of test loads.
In a joint research effort between OTRC and Stress Engineering Services (SES), the full-scale test program to assess individual repair systems of four (4) manufactured products. The four manufacturers prepared their composite repair system at the SES test center in Houston, Tx under the close observation of SES staff. In preparation, 8-inch diameter pipe was machined to simulate a corroded riser section and then the composite repair systems are applied by the manufacturers to the machined area to simulate an in-field repair. The repaired pipe was then tested to failure under realistic loads including; 1) Internal pressure, 2) Internal pressure and axial tension, and 3) Internal pressure, axial tension, and bending.
The study was completed in September 2007. See presentations and final reports below.