Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, and thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) manufacturer Strohm have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop and qualify a hybrid flexible pipe (HFP) for ultradeepwater risers and flowline applications.
As deepwater basins account for a growing share of global hydrocarbon production, operators are increasingly seeking innovative solutions to develop ultradeep resources with lower risk and reduced costs. The HFP being jointly developed is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant solution, which can be deployed for flowline and riser applications in water depths exceeding 3000 meters.
The HFP solution combines the capabilities of TCP and conventional flexible pipe. In this approach, TCP replaces the standard carcass, liner and the pressure armour, while maintaining tension armour, outer protective coating and end-fittings. The integrated system delivers the tension capability of a conventional flexible pipe and the smooth bore and light weight of a TCP.
The product will be approximately 50% lighter than a conventional flexible pipe. This means that even at water depths exceeding 3000 meters, the total suspended weight will be approximately 40% lower when compared to conventional pipes in lesser water depths. At a time when there are not enough new installation vessels coming to the market, particularly those offering higher tension capabilities, the reduced weight of the HFP broadens the range of vessels available for installation. The newly designed solution allows operators and contractors to use existing installation vessels, without the need for costly and time-consuming adaptations.
Martin van Onna, Strohm’s CEO explains: “At Strohm, we approach product development from an end-user perspective, focusing on products that address our clients’ needs. We developed the HFP with an emphasis on installability, in-place flexibility, and design predictability, building on our long-standing relationship with Baker Hughes to create a solution which can be fast-tracked to market.
“Strohm’s TCP is a corrosion-resistant, low-carbon, robust pipe, with an extensive track record and zero failures on any operational product. The collaboration with Baker Hughes will allow us to jointly bring a premium product to the market, helping operators around the world as they plan their ultradeepwater projects.”
“Baker Hughes’ flexible pipe systems are helping customers around the globe produce subsea resources safely and efficiently, even in the most demanding environments,” said Daniel Wright, Global Business Leader – Flexible Pipe Systems at Baker Hughes. “Our collaboration with Strohm is built on a shared passion for innovation and excellence that is driving new possibilities in the offshore energy sector.”
The HFP solution is currently under development, with qualification pipes being manufactured for testing. The integrated solution is expected to become commercially available from 2028 onwards.