Energy technology company Baker Hughes and Dutch thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) manufacturer Strohm are developing a hybrid flexible pipe (HFP) for ultradeepwater risers and flowline applications that will be half as heavy as a conventional flexible pipe.
Under an inked memorandum of understanding (MoU), the partners are currently manufacturing qualification pipes for testing, with the solution expected to become commercially available from 2028 onwards.
The HFP combines the capabilities of TCP and conventional flexible pipe, whereby TCP replaces the standard carcass, liner and 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, Strohm said.
The corrosion-resistant solution can be deployed for flowline and riser applications in water depths exceeding 3,000 meters.
According to Strohm, it will be approximately 50% lighter than a conventional flexible pipe, which means that even at water depths of over 3,000 meters the total suspended weight will be approximately 40% lower in comparison to conventional pipes in lesser water depths. This reduced weight is said to broaden the range of vessels available for installation.
“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,” said Martin van Onna , Strohm’s CEO.
“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.”