LR type approval still delivers for Baker Hughes after 30 years
Published by Jack Roscoe,
Editorial Assistant
Oilfield Technology,
Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Baker Hughes are celebrating 30 years of collaboration since the first type approval of Baker Hughes’ unbonded flexible pipe products was granted in 1992. This milestone also commemorates 25 years since the inclusion of the Newcastle, UK, manufacturing site and 15 years since the inclusion of the Niteroi, Brazil, manufacturing site into the type approval scheme.
LR’s type approval process, which is the approval of a product type against requirements of agreed standard(s) and/or LR Rules, has continued to evolve over the last 30 years, providing a framework for the approval of technologies such as unbonded flexible pipes. Type approval is granted following a design review, type testing and production quality assurance, validating a products safety, consistency and quality.
Unbonded flexible pipes are a critical and complex technology in the development of subsea oil and gas fields. They provide a reliable and cost-effective means of transporting fluids under high pressures, high temperatures, and extreme environmental conditions. Their multi-layer construction allows them to safely transport fluids in the harsh offshore environment whilst accommodating large movements and resisting fatigue and corrosion.
The design and construction of unbonded flexible pipes requires a high level of engineering expertise and experience. With their durability, flexibility and performance in the field, unbonded flexible pipes ensure safe exploration and production of subsea oil and gas resources.
In the most recent edition of type approval for Baker Hughes unbonded flexible pipes, a new standardised certification format has been introduced, providing comprehensive information on the approved ranges including materials, methodologies, testing and manufacturing processes.
The updated type approval also encompasses broader ranges of approval for metallic and non-metallic materials, increased ranges of pipe capacities such as collapse, and features a new anti-FLIP layer.
Mike Holiday, Lloyd’s Register global service delivery director, commented: “LR and Baker Hughes have a long and successful history of collaboration and we are delighted to mark 30 years since our first type approval for BH’s unbonded flexible pipe products. Our partnership has demonstrated excellent collaboration and innovation in delivering long-term value to Baker Hughes and their customers in the Oil & Gas industry, paving the way for future partnerships and innovation in the energy transformation era.”
Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/product-news/10082023/lr-type-approval-still-delivers-for-baker-hughes-after-30-years/
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