Flexibles. Part 1. What is Flexible?

What is Flexible?

According to ChatGPT and the literature listed in the reference section, in the offshore industry, "flexible" can refer to a variety of elements that are designed to bend or adjust to changing conditions.

This can include flexible pipelines, which are used to transport oil and gas from offshore wells to processing facilities on land, and flexible risers, which connect the subsea production system to the floating production platform.

Flexible risers are made of steel reinforced thermoplastic or steel reinforced synthetic rubber that can bend and flex in response to wave and current movements, while maintaining structural integrity.

Flexible systems also refer to the ability to adapt to different water depths and ocean conditions, as well as being able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as storms and hurricanes.

Why do we use it?

Handbook on the flexible's design and operation written by 4Subsea gives one simple answer.

There are two basic reasons for using flexible pipes instead of steel pipes:

1. The compliant structure allows for permanent connection between a floating support vessel with large motions and subsea installations

2. Transport and installation is significantly simplified due to the possibility for prefabrication in long lengths stored on limited sized reels and ease of handling

Also, flexible pipe are used as flowlines and jumpers connecting subsea equipment.

Stay tuned and keep in touch!

Kirill Krotov, Flexible and Umbilical Engineer at Subsea7

References:

1. "Flexible Pipeline Systems for Hydrocarbons" by T.F. Edgar, J.R. Fanchi. Elsevier Science, (2006)
2. "Flexible Riser and Pipe" by Bj?rn Tore Markussen. John Wiley & Sons, (2011)
3. "Flexible Offshore Pipelines" by N.P. Suh. Springer, (2010)
4. "Handbook on design and operation of flexible pipes" by 4Subsea