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Structural Performance of FRP Materials After Subsea Long Term Immersion

This paper will present the issues facing long term subsea ageing of Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) materials subsea, the laboratory and real-time test programme undertaken by NOV (National Oilwell Varco) Fiber Glass Systems (FGS) Pipex (still ongoing) and an overview of the results.

Product Number: 51317--9183-SG
ISBN: 9183 2017 CP
Author: Simon Eves
Publication Date: 2017
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The potential benefits of structural FRP Composite Materials over conventional metals for offshore oil and gas subsea projects can be very significant with substantial weight reduction and corrosion benefits (no cathodic protection required). However while FRP does not corrode when immersed subsea it does absorb water and it is well known that mechanical properties can change over time.To meet customer demands it is critical that justified design assurance can be provided to prove that any FRP structure remains “fit for purpose” for a typical subsea project design life of 20 years or more. To be able to provide such assurance any changes in relevant mechanical properties must be understood and quantified so appropriate safety factors can be allowed for in the original FRP design to offset any such changes.Structural FRP specialist FGS/Pipex has addressed this issue through extensive accelerated laboratory testing of their FRP materials uniquely further verified by comparison to real-time subsea aged FRP materials.This paper will present the issues facing long term subsea ageing of FRP materials subsea the laboratory and real-time testprogramme undertaken by FGS/Pipex and an overview of the results.

Key words: Fibre Reinforced Polymers, FRP, GRP, Long Term Immersion, Subsea Ageing

The potential benefits of structural FRP Composite Materials over conventional metals for offshore oil and gas subsea projects can be very significant with substantial weight reduction and corrosion benefits (no cathodic protection required). However while FRP does not corrode when immersed subsea it does absorb water and it is well known that mechanical properties can change over time.To meet customer demands it is critical that justified design assurance can be provided to prove that any FRP structure remains “fit for purpose” for a typical subsea project design life of 20 years or more. To be able to provide such assurance any changes in relevant mechanical properties must be understood and quantified so appropriate safety factors can be allowed for in the original FRP design to offset any such changes.Structural FRP specialist FGS/Pipex has addressed this issue through extensive accelerated laboratory testing of their FRP materials uniquely further verified by comparison to real-time subsea aged FRP materials.This paper will present the issues facing long term subsea ageing of FRP materials subsea the laboratory and real-time testprogramme undertaken by FGS/Pipex and an overview of the results.

Key words: Fibre Reinforced Polymers, FRP, GRP, Long Term Immersion, Subsea Ageing

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