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    • 专利摘要:
    The invention aims to provide a method of non-destructive testing of an underwater flexible pipe (10) capable of detecting flooding of the annular space (13) in which the armor (14, 23) is located. The method comprises the following steps: - arranging near the outer sheath (11) at least one pair of electrodes (101, 102), - measuring the impedance at the terminals of the pair of electrodes, at a frequency advantageously between 10Hz and 10 MHz, - compare the measured impedance with reference values so as to determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space (13).
    公开号:FR3062211A1
    申请号:FR1700061
    申请日:2017-01-24
    公开日:2018-07-27
    发明作者:Laura Pucci；Jean Marc Decitre；Denis PREMEL；Yann Nicolas
    申请人:Technip France SAS；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    ® Agent (s): FLEXI FRANCE.
    (54) METHOD FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF A FLEXIBLE LINE AND ASSOCIATED NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING DEVICE.
    FR 3 062 211 - A1 (57) The invention aims to provide a method of non-destructive testing of a flexible underwater pipe (10) capable of detecting flooding of the annular space (13) in which the armor (14, 23). The process includes the following steps:
    - arrange in the vicinity of the outer sheath (11) at least one pair of electrodes (101, 102),
    measuring the impedance across the terminals of the pair of electrodes, at a frequency advantageously between 10 Hz and 10 MHz,
    - compare the measured impedance with reference values so as to determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space (13).

    -1 METHOD FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF A FLEXIBLE LINE AND ASSOCIATED NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING DEVICE
    DESCRIPTION
    Technical field of the invention
    The subject of the present invention is a method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line and an associated non-destructive testing device.
    It concerns the technical field of non-destructive testing of subsea oil and gas installations, and more specifically that of non-destructive testing of the annular space of submarine flexible lines.
    State of the art
    A flexible line, used in the field of subsea oil and gas installations, can take the form of:
    - a flexible pipe of unbound type (“unbonded” in English) intended for the transport of hydrocarbons through a body of water, such as an ocean, a sea, a lake or a river, and for example carried out according to the normative documents API 17 J (Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe) and API RP 17 B (Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe) established by the American Petroleum Institute, or
    - an umbilical reinforced with armor intended for the transport of energy, data, or injection product, through a body of water, such as an ocean, a sea, a lake or a river, and for example produced according to the normative documents API 17 E (Specification for Umbilicals), or
    - a combination of the two.
    Such a flexible line is generally formed of a set of coaxial and superimposed cylindrical layers. A flexible line comprises at least one layer of armor arranged inside an annular space and an external sheath surrounding said annular space. The flexible line is considered to be “unbound” within the meaning of the present invention when at least one of the layers of said flexible line is able to move longitudinally relative to the adjacent layers during bending of the flexible line. In particular, an unbound flexible line is a flexible line generally devoid of binding materials connecting layers forming the flexible line.
    The flexible line is generally arranged across a body of water, between a bottom assembly, intended to collect the fluid extracted from the bottom of the body of water, and a floating or fixed surface assembly, intended to collect and distribute. the fluid, or can also extend between two bottom installations, or can also extend between two surface installations. The surface assembly can be a semi-submersible platform, an FPSO or another floating assembly.
    Flexible lines intended for great depths are subjected to very high tensions, usually several tens of tonnes, especially when they are put into service and / or when they are installed at sea. In particular, in the case where the entire surface is floating and mobile depending on sea conditions, the rising flexible lines (“risers” in English) connecting the seabed to the surface assembly can sometimes be subjected to millions of cycles of variation in curvature. This results in risks of degradation and rupture of the outer sheath which then no longer ensures its protective function of the flexible line. Consequently, there is a risk of flooding of the annular space, in particular a flood of the layer or layers of tensile armor present in said annular space. These armor layers are in certain cases sensitive to corrosion, in particular that induced by the permeation of acid compounds present in the transported fluid and / or by the presence of water in the annular space following a degradation of the external sheath. . However, to guarantee the tensile and fatigue resistance during the entire life of the flexible line, it is necessary to ensure the integrity of the layers of tensile armor, generally produced from helical windings of metallic wires.
    -3To detect possible degradations or ruptures of the external sheath leading to flooding of the annular space, various tests are implemented, such as the annular test. The annular test consists in measuring the current volume of gas in the annular space of the flexible line, for example by creating a vacuum in the annular space. The measured current gas volume is compared to the initial volume of the annular space to deduce whether water has partially or completely invaded the annular space. However, such a volume measurement is often not very precise and therefore does not make it possible to rule on the presence and the height of any flooded areas threatening the integrity of the flexible line.
    GB-B-2 446 670 describes a method of underwater inspection of the integrity of the annular space of a flexible line based on the technique of ultrasound ultrasound. According to this method, an ultrasonic probe emits an incident ultrasonic wave which enters the flexible line. In return, the probe receives the ultrasonic waves reflected at the discontinuities, that is to say at the interfaces, encountered in the flexible line. The amplitudes of the reflected ultrasonic waves make it possible, in particular, to determine whether the portion of the flexible line inspected is flooded. Such a method is based on a property of ultrasonic waves according to which ultrasonic waves propagate little in a gas as opposed to a liquid medium such as water. Thus, an interface comprising a gas, generates reflected ultrasonic waves of greater amplitude than an interface comprising a liquid.
    However, the ultrasonic method reaches its limits when the flexible line is subjected to both internal pressure and both external pressure, which is particularly the case when said flexible line is immersed in a body of water. Indeed, in a flexible line configuration in which the outer sheath and the armor layer are adjoining, the annular space filled with gas, and from a certain level of pressure, generally above ten bars, said outer sheath and said armor layer are compressed against each other so that the interface between said outer sheath and the armor layer no longer contains gas. This is called intimate contact between the two layers. In such a case, the incident ultrasonic wave propagates mainly through the interface, and the reflected waves are of very small amplitude, like an annular space which would be filled with liquid, so that it is impossible to determine the presence of gas. So when the pressure of
    -4 contact between the outer sheath and the armor elements is greater than a few tens of bars, the inspection method presented in patent GB-B-2 446 670 does not make it possible to distinguish between a flooded annular space and a dry annular space. In another flexible line configuration in which one or more intermediate sheaths are arranged between the external sheath and the armor layer, the different interfaces between the external sheath and the intermediate sheaths may include gas, so that the ultrasonic waves are directly reflected at these interfaces even before they could reach the annular space. Here too, the inspection method presented in GB-B-2 446 670 does not make it possible to distinguish between a flooded annular space and a dry annular space.
    In addition, an ultrasonic control method requires mechanical scanning of a plurality of successive control regions of the external sheath and the repetition, for each control region of the external sheath, of the steps of sending, receiving, d analysis and determination of the medium at the interface between the region to be checked of the external sheath and the annular space opposite the region to be checked of the external sheath. Thus, it is generally necessary to mount the ultrasonic probe on a motorized turntable whose weight and complexity of implementation are not negligible.
    The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for controlling the integrity of a flexible line, in particular of the annular space of the flexible line, which is non-intrusive, simple to implement and reliable whatever the external pressure applied to the flexible line.
    Disclosure of invention
    The solution proposed by the invention is a method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line comprising at least one layer of armor arranged inside an annular space and an external sheath surrounding said annular space, said annular space comprising a fluid. The non-destructive testing process is remarkable in that it includes the following steps:
    a) arrange in the vicinity of the outer sheath at least one pair of electrodes,
    b) supplying alternating voltage of determined frequency, or alternating current of determined frequency, said pair of electrodes, or a first pair of electrodes of said pairs of electrodes, so as to generate an electromagnetic field extending through d '' at least part of the annular space,
    c) measuring, at the level of said pair of electrodes, or of a second pair of electrodes of said pairs of electrodes, an electrical signal linked to the electromagnetic characteristics of said at least part of the annular space subjected to said generated electromagnetic field ,
    d) process said electrical signal so as to determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space.
    Thus, the non-destructive control method which is the subject of the invention makes it possible to control the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space of a flexible line, via an electromagnetic field which makes it possible to cross one or more sheaths, whatever the type. contact, intimate or not, between the outer sheath, the armor layer, and possibly the intermediate sheaths. Likewise, this method has the advantage of requiring only a single measurement and therefore makes it possible to dispense with the implementation of a scanning step.
    The interaction of the electromagnetic field with the flexible line depends in particular on the geometry and the electromagnetic properties of the various components present in the flexible line. The main electromagnetic properties are electrical conductivity, dielectric permittivity and magnetic properties, including magnetic permeability.
    The external sheath of the flexible line is generally made of polymeric materials that are electrically insulating (almost zero electrical conductivity) and non-magnetic (magnetic permeability identical to that of vacuum). As a result, the electromagnetic field can easily pass through the outer sheath without undergoing strong attenuation, and reach the annular space.
    The fluid present in the annular space has, because of its electromagnetic properties, an influence on the electromagnetic field and it is this influence that the present process aims to exploit in order to indirectly determine the nature of the fluid via electrical measurements.
    According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to obtain a simple method of implementation by means of a compact device, during step a), a single pair of electrodes is arranged in the vicinity of the sheath. external.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to improve the sensitivity of the measurement, the single layer of armor, or when the flexible line comprises several layers of armor, the layer of armor closest to the sheath external, comprises at least a first group of armor and a second group of armor distinct from each other and in that step a) comprises the following steps: a1) arranging a first electrode of the single pair of electrodes facing the first group of armors, a2) arranging a second electrode of the single pair of electrodes facing the second group of armors.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to decouple the taking of measurements and the supply of alternating voltage or alternating current so as to improve the accuracy of the measurement, during step a), two pairs of electrode are arranged in the vicinity of the outer sheath, namely on the one hand a first pair of electrodes and on the other hand a second pair of electrodes.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to improve the sensitivity of the measurement, the single layer of armor, or when the flexible line comprises several layers of armor, the layer of armor closest to the sheath external, comprises at least a first group of armor and a second group of armor distinct from each other and in that step a) comprises the following steps: a3) arranging a first electrode of the first couple d 'electrodes facing the first armor group, a4) arranging a second electrode of the first pair of electrodes facing the second armor group.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to improve the sensitivity of the measurement, step a) comprises the following steps:
    a5) arranging a first electrode of the second pair of electrodes facing the first group of armors,
    -7a6) arrange a second electrode of the second pair of electrodes facing the second group of armors.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to improve the sensitivity of the measurement, the single layer of armor, or when the flexible line comprises several layers of armor, the layer of armor closest to the sheath external, comprises at least a third group of armor and a fourth group of armor distinct from one another and distinct from the first group of armor and from the second group of armor, said third group of armor and said fourth armor group being arranged between said first armor group and said second armor group, and step a) comprises the following steps:
    a7) arranging a first electrode of the second pair of electrodes facing the third armor group, a8) arranging a second electrode of the second pair of electrodes facing the third group of armors.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to improve the sensitivity of the measurement, step a) comprises the following step:
    a9) arrange the electrodes of the at least one pair of electrodes in contact with the external sheath.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to ensure good penetration of the electromagnetic field through the external sheath and any intermediate sheaths, as well as good interaction of the electromagnetic field with the fluid contained in the annular space, step b) includes the following step:
    b1) supply alternating voltage, or alternating current, of frequency between 10 Hz and 10 MHz, preferably between 100 Hz and 200 kHz.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to obtain an easily usable and measurable electrical signal with commercially available measuring instruments, in the case where during step a) a single pair of electrodes is arranged in the vicinity of the external sheath, the electrical signal measured during step c) is the complex impedance across said single pair of electrodes. Impedance is said to be complex because it has a module and a phase, and it
    -8 can be represented in a complex plane. In this embodiment, the measured electrical signal is a complex signal, since it has a module and a phase, and can be represented in a complex plane.
    In the case where during step a) two pairs of electrodes are arranged in the vicinity of the outer sheath, namely on the one hand a first pair of electrodes and on the other hand a second pair of electrodes, according to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to obtain an easily exploitable and measurable electrical signal with commercially available measuring instruments, the electrical signal measured during step c) is a complex signal, the modulus of said signal complex being equal to the amplitude of the voltage measured across the second pair of electrodes, and the phase of said complex signal being equal to the phase shift measured between on the one hand the voltage across the second pair of electrodes and on the other share the voltage or current supplying the first pair of electrodes.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention allowing the simple processing of a complex signal, step d) comprises the following step:
    d1) compare the module and the phase of the measured electrical signal with reference values so as to determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space (13).
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to guarantee the accuracy of the measurement, during steps b) and c) the distance separating the electrodes from or from each of the pairs of electrodes is kept fixed.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to ensure that a sufficient number of armors is arranged between the electrodes, during steps b) and c) the distance separating the electrodes from or from each of the pairs of electrodes is kept between 100 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 200 mm and 500 mm.
    Another aspect of the invention relates to a non-destructive device for controlling a flexible line comprising at least one layer of armor arranged inside an annular space and an external sheath surrounding said an annular space, said space.
    -9annulaire including a fluid. The control system is remarkable in that it includes:
    - an electromagnetic field generator configured to generate an electromagnetic field extending through at least part of the annular space, said electromagnetic field generator comprising:
    - at least one pair of electrodes intended to be arranged in the vicinity of the external sheath,
    a voltage or current generator configured to supply alternating voltage of determined frequency or alternating current of determined frequency respectively, the single pair of electrodes or a first pair of electrodes of said pairs of electrodes so as to generating an electromagnetic field extending through at least part of the annular space.
    a measuring instrument configured to measure, at the level of said pair of electrodes, or of a second pair of electrodes of said pairs of electrodes, an electrical signal linked to the electromagnetic characteristics of said at least part of the annular space subject to said generated electromagnetic field,
    - a comparator configured to compare said electrical signal with reference values so as to determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space.
    Thus, the non-destructive control device which is the subject of the invention makes it possible to control the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space of a flexible line, via an electromagnetic field capable of passing through one or more sheaths regardless of the type of contact. , intimate or not, between the outer sheath, the armor layer, and possibly the intermediate sheaths. Likewise, this device has the advantage of being effective from the first measurement and therefore makes it possible to dispense with the installation of a mechanical scanning means of the turntable type.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention allowing the generation of an optimal electromagnetic field, the electrodes of the electrode pair or pairs comprise a conductive body made of metal, preferably copper.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention allowing the generation of an optimal electromagnetic field, the conductive body of the electrodes
    -10du or pairs of electrodes have a rectangular base rectangular shape whose length and width are between 20 mm and 250 mm, preferably square base sides equal to 70 mm.
    According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention, making it possible to simply measure the impedance at the terminals of a pair of electrodes, the measuring instrument is a vector network analyzer.
    Description of the figures
    Other particularities and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given as an indication but not limiting, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
    - Figure 1 is a schematic view of the non-destructive testing device object of the invention arranged opposite a flexible line extending from a bottom assembly to a surface assembly through a body of water ;
    - Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a flexible line that the invention proposes to control;
    - Figure 3 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the non-destructive testing device of the invention;
    - Figure 4 is a schematic view of a first variant of a second embodiment of the non-destructive testing device object of the invention;
    - Figure 5 is a schematic view of a second variant of the second embodiment of the non-destructive testing device object of the invention.
    For simplification, the different elements of the flexible line are shown diagrammatically flat in Figures 3 to 5, although in reality they are generally arranged in an arc.
    -11 Detailed description of the invention
    The solution proposed by the invention is a non-destructive testing process for a flexible line (10) and the device (100) allowing the implementation of this process.
    “Flexible line” is understood to mean, within the meaning of the invention, any flexible line used in the field of subsea oil and / or gas installations for the transport of fluids, energy or even information. An underwater oil and / or gas installation generally comprises one or more surface assemblies (2) and one or more bottom assemblies (3).
    Referring to Figure 1, a surface assembly (2) is arranged on the surface of a body of water (4). The body of water (4) is for example an ocean, a sea, a lake or a river. The surface assembly (2) can be fixed or floating. When fixed, the surface assembly (2) rests on a lattice or gravity type structure fixed to the bottom of the body of water. When it is floating, the surface assembly (2) is advantageously formed by a naval surface support which can for example be a floating production, storage and unloading unit called FPSO ("Floating Production, Storage and Offloading" in English language) or a floating unit dedicated to liquefied natural gas called FLNG ("Floating Liquified Natural Gas" in English), a semi-submersible platform, which can for example be a TLP ("Tension Leg Platform" in English) , an unloading buoy, a floating vertical column or a ship.
    A bottom assembly (3) is arranged on the bottom of the body of water (4) and is in the form of one or a set of underwater production devices of the well type ("well"). in English), wellhead ("wellhead", "christmas tree" or "X-tree" in English), collector ("manifold" in English), subsea processing unit "In English, also abbreviated" SPU "), subsea storage unit (in English, also abbreviated" SSU "), etc.
    The oil and / or gas installation also includes a network of flexible (1) and / or rigid lines making it possible to connect the surface assembly (s) (2) and the one or more bottom assemblies (3) together. These flexible (1) or rigid lines are at least
    -12 partially submerged in the body of water (4). The depth of the body of water (4) at the right of the installation is for example between 50 m and 3000 m, even 4000 m.
    The flexible line (10) can take the form:
    - a flexible pipe, as shown in FIG. 2, of the unbound type (“unbonded” in English) intended for the transport of hydrocarbons through the body of water (4), and for example produced according to the documents API 17 J (Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe) and API RP 17 B (Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe) standards established by the American Petroleum Institute, or
    - an umbilical reinforced by armor intended for the transport of electrical or hydraulic energy, of data, or of injection products, through the body of water (4), and for example produced according to the documents API 17 E (Specification for Umbilicals) standards, or
    - a combination of the two.
    The flexible line (10) comprises at least one layer of armor (14, 23). Each layer of armor (14, 23) is in the form of a juxtaposition of several armor (15), generally between 30 and 100 armor (15). The armor (15), generally called traction armor, has the function of resuming the traction force exerted on the flexible line (10). The tensile strength limit of the armor (15) is advantageously greater than 1000 MPa. Two adjoining armors (15) can be separated by a gap (16) with a width of between 5 mm and 0.001 mm. The armors (15) are wound helically so as to form a tube. The absolute value of the helix angle of the helicoid formed by an armor (15) is less than 60 °, and is typically between 25 ° and 55 °. A weave (15) is in the form of wire of rectangular, square, circular, oval, bean-shaped, T-shaped, or any other shape suitable for a person skilled in the art.
    In some configurations, the flexible line (10) may include a pair of armor layers (14, 23). The two layers of armor (14, 23) are crossed, that is to say that they have substantially opposite helix angles, so as to balance the structure of the flexible line (10) in torsion, this is that is to say in order to limit its tendency to turn under the effect of a traction. The two layers of armor (14, 23) are arranged coaxially, a first layer of armor (14) being the most armor layer
    -13near the outer sheath, and the second layer of armor (23) being located inside the first layer of armor (14).
    The armours (15) can be made of metal, advantageously of carbon steel or of low alloy steel or of stainless steel. Metal armor is generally obtained by wire drawing, rolling, and heat treatment of metal wires. The armor (15) of metal has an electrical conductivity generally between 3x10 6 S / m and 10x10 6 S / m, preferably between 5,5x10 6 S / m and 6.5x10 6 N / m. When made of carbon steel or low-alloy steel, the metal armor (15) is magnetic and has a relative magnetic permeability generally greater than or equal to 100. However, the present invention can also be applied in the case where the metal armor (15) is non-magnetic or weakly magnetic, for example if it is made of titanium, aluminum or in certain grades of austenitic stainless steel.
    The armors (15) can be made of composite materials, composed of a matrix and reinforcing fibers. The matrix is formed on the basis of a thermosetting resin, for example an epoxy resin, or of a thermoplastic resin, for example a resin based on polyetheretherketone (PEEK), on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or on polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) ). The matrix is generally non-magnetic and electrically insulating (almost zero electrical conductivity). The reinforcing fibers are generally oriented parallel to the axis of the armor and can be made of carbon, glass or aramid. Glass, carbon and aramid are non-magnetic. Glass and aramid are electrical insulators while carbon is conductive. The armor (15) made of carbon fiber-based composite material has an electrical conductivity generally between 10 × 10 3 S / m and 50 × 10 3 S / m. The armours (15) generally have a width which can vary from 10 mm to 30 mm and a thickness which can vary from 0.5 mm to 10 mm.
    The at least one layer of armor (14, 23) is arranged inside an annular space (13). “Annular space” is understood, within the meaning of the invention, to be a space delimited by two fictitious cylinders (24, 25) of different radii arranged coaxially. The thickness of the annular space (13), corresponding to the difference in the radii of the two fictitious cylinders, is generally between 5 mm and 60 mm, or even more.
    -14The annular space (13) comprises a fluid. This fluid is generally a gas when the flexible line (10) is intact and a liquid when the flexible sheath has undergone degradation.
    At the level of the single armor layer (14), or when the flexible line (10) comprises several layers of armor (14, 23) of the armor layer (14) closest to the outer sheath ( 11), the latter being described in more detail in the following description, and for the purposes of the non-destructive testing method, it is possible to identify several groups of armor (17, 18, 19, 20) comprising 2 to 6 armor (15) or more. Thus, the armor layer (14) closest to the outer sheath (11) can comprise at least a first group of armor (17) and a second group of armor (18) distinct from one of the other. The armor layer (14) closest to the outer sheath (11) can also comprise at least a third group of armor (19) and a fourth group of armor (20) distinct from each other and distinct from the first group of armor (17) and the second group of armor (18). The third armor group (19) and the fourth armor group (20) are preferably arranged between the first armor group (17) and the second armor group (18).
    The flexible line (10) comprises at least one external sheath (11). The outer sheath (11) is arranged so as to surround said annular space (13). “Surrounding” is understood to mean, within the meaning of the invention, the fact that the annular space (13) is inscribed in a cylinder formed by the external sheath (11), the latter being able to be, or not, adjoining said annular space (13). Indeed, in some embodiments, the flexible line (10) may include one or more intermediate sheaths interposed between the outer sheath (11) and the annular space (13). The outer sheath (11) is in the form of a flexible tube of circular section, possibly oval. The outer sheath (11) is made of polymer, for example polyamide, polyethylene or elastomeric thermoplastic polymer. The outer sheath (11) generally has a thickness which can vary from 2 mm to 20 mm. The outer sheath (11) is generally obtained by extrusion. The outer sheath (11) is non-magnetic and electrically insulating (almost zero electrical conductivity).
    In practice, and as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2, when the flexible line (10) is a flexible pipe, it can comprise from the inside to the outside:
    - an internal carcass (21),
    - an internal sheath (12), also called a pressure sheath,
    - a pressure vault (22),
    - one or more layers of armor (14, 23),
    - one or more intermediate sheaths (not shown),
    - and the outer sheath (11).
    The internal carcass (21) is formed of a profiled stainless steel strip and wound in a short pitch to form turns interlocked with each other. The main function of the internal carcass (21) is the resumption of the radial crushing forces, for example those linked to the hydrostatic pressure or those exerted by external equipment, in particular during the installation at sea of the flexible pipe. A flexible pipe comprising an internal carcass (21) is said to be a “rough bore” due to the geometry of said internal carcass.
    However, the present invention could also be applied to a flexible pipe not comprising an internal carcass, such a pipe being said to be “smooth bore” (“smooth bore” in English), since its first layer starting from the inside is the internal sheath (12), the latter having the shape of a tube having a smooth internal wall.
    The internal sheath (12) is in the form of a flexible tube of circular section, possibly oval. The internal sheath (12) has the function of confining the hydrocarbon circulating inside the flexible pipe, the internal carcass (21) not being leaktight. The polymeric material forming the internal sheath (12) is chosen in particular as a function of the chemical composition, the temperature and the pressure of the hydrocarbon which the flexible pipe has to transport. The most widely used polymers for producing the internal sheath (12) are polyamides, crosslinked polyethylene and fluoropolymers based on vinylidene fluoride, and in particular those based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The internal sheath (12) generally has a thickness which can vary from 2 mm to 20 mm. The internal sheath (12) is generally obtained by extrusion. The outer sheath (11) and the inner sheath (12) are generally arranged coaxially. By "coaxially" in the sense of the invention is meant that two tubular elements are coaxial apart from manufacturing defects, that is to say that these
    -16two tubular elements are considered coaxial even if there is a difference between their axes less than 10 mm. The outer sheath (11) and the inner sheath (12) then define between them the annular space (13).
    The pressure vault (22) consists of one or more metal wires having a cross section in the form of Z, T, C, X, or K, the said wire or wires being helically wound in a short pitch, c that is to say with a helix angle close to 90 °, and stapled together. The main function of the pressure vault (22) is to take up the radial forces linked to the pressure of the hydrocarbon flowing in the pipe, the internal sheath (12) not being capable of withstanding high pressure alone and in front of therefore be supported by said pressure vault (22).
    The device (100) for non-destructive testing of the flexible line (10) is intended to be at least partially immersed in the body of water (4) to carry out the control of said flexible line (10).
    As shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 3 to 5, the device (100) for non-destructive testing of the flexible line (10) comprises an electromagnetic field generator configured to generate an electromagnetic field extending through at least part of the annular space (13).
    The electromagnetic field generator can include at least one pair of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104). Thus, the electromagnetic field generator can include a single pair of electrodes (101, 102), or two pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) or more than two pairs of electrodes. The electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) are intended to be arranged in the vicinity of the external sheath (11) of the flexible line (10). The term "neighborhood" means that the distance separating the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) from the external sheath (11) is at least less than the radius of the flexible line (10). Advantageously, the distance separating the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) from the external sheath (11) is less than 100 mm, preferably less than 20 mm. According to a preferred embodiment, the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) are intended to be arranged in contact with the external sheath (11). By “in contact” in the sense of the invention is meant that there is at least one point of contact between the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) and the external sheath (11). The electrodes (101, 102, 103,
    -17104) are thus intended to be immersed in the body of water (4) to carry out the control of the flexible line (10).
    Each electrode (101, 102, 103, 104) may include a conductive body. Advantageously, the conductive body of one, several, or all of the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) can be made of metal, preferably copper, silver or gold. The conductive body of each of the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) may have a circular, hexagonal, rectangular, square, diamond shape, or any other shape suitable for a person skilled in the art and preferably of dimensions between 20 mm and 250 mm. The conductive body of the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) advantageously has a rectangular base rectangular shape whose length and width are between 20 mm and 250 mm, preferably of square base with sides equal to 70 mm. The conductive body of each electrode (101, 102, 103, 104) has a thickness generally between 0.1 mm and 5 mm. The conductive body of each electrode (101, 102, 103, 104) may include a front face intended to be opposite the flexible line (10) to be checked. Each electrode (101, 102, 103, 104) may comprise a corrosion protection coating arranged on the front face of the conductive body of said electrode (101, 102, 103, 104). This corrosion protection coating can be produced with an electrically insulating and non-magnetic material such as, for example, a polymer material. This corrosion protection coating can have a thickness of between 1 mm and 5 mm. As an alternative, or in addition to the corrosion protection coating, each electrode (101, 102, 103, 104) may include an elastomeric coating configured to expel water between said electrode and the external sheath (11) of the flexible line (10) when said electrode comes into contact with said outer sheath. The elastomeric coating can have a thickness of between 1 mm and 5 mm. The conductive body of each electrode (101, 102, 103, 104) may also include a rear face opposite the front face. The conductive body of each electrode (101, 102, 103, 104) may finally comprise one or more lateral faces joining the front face of the rear face. Advantageously, the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) of the or each of the pairs of electrodes are separated by a fixed distance, in particular during the measurement. In particular, the distance separating the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) from or from each of the pairs of electrodes can be between 200 mm and 500 mm. The electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) can be mounted on a vehicle
    -18 remotely controlled (“remotely operated vehicle” in English, often abbreviated ROV) so as to be able to easily operate the device (100) for non-destructive testing of the flexible line (10) within the body of water. The electrodes can also be mounted on a clamp, especially inside the pads of said clamp, or above all means of attachment and / or movement on a flexible line (10) known to those skilled in the art .
    Each electrode (101, 102, 103, 104) may comprise a means of electrical isolation from the surrounding medium, in particular water from the body of water (4), so as to avoid the creation of a loopback. of the electromagnetic field between said electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104), through the rear face of their conductive bodies, through the water of the body of water. In particular, the electrical insulation means can be in the form of an electrically insulating coating arranged on the rear face and the side face or faces of the conductive body of the electrode (101, 102, 103, 104). The term “electrically insulating” means that the material used has a resistivity greater than 10 9 Om. This electrically insulating coating can be made of resin or syntactic foam. The coating generally has a thickness between 10 mm and 30 mm, or even more. The isolation means can also be in the form of a bell surrounding the rear face and the face part or parts of the electrode (101, 102, 103, 104). The bell can be made of resin, or syntactic foam. The bell has a thickness generally between 20 mm and 30 mm, or even more.
    The electromagnetic field generator may also include a voltage generator (105) or alternatively a current generator.
    When the electromagnetic field generator comprises a single pair of electrodes (101, 102), the voltage generator (105) is configured to supply alternating voltage of determined frequency to said pair of electrodes (101, 102) so as to generate an electromagnetic field extending through at least part of the annular space (13) of said flexible line (10). Alternatively, the current generator (105) is configured to supply alternating current of determined frequency to said pair of electrodes (101, 102) so as to generate an electromagnetic field extending through at least part of the annular space (13) of said flexible line (10).
    When the electromagnetic field generator comprises several pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104), the voltage generator (105) is configured to supply alternating voltage of determined frequency to the first pair of electrodes (101, 102) so as to generate an electromagnetic field extending through at least part of the annular space (13) of said flexible line (10). Alternatively, the current generator (105) is configured to supply alternating current of determined frequency to the first pair of electrodes (101, 102) so as to generate an electromagnetic field extending through at least part of the annular space (13) of said flexible line (10).
    To this end, the generator (105) of voltage, or alternatively of current, may comprise means of electrical connection to the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) to be supplied with voltage, or alternatively with current. Each connection means can be in the form of an electric cable, one end of which is welded to the electrode (101,102,103,104), or else equipped with an electrical connector cooperating with a corresponding electrical connector arranged on the electrode. (101,102,103,104). As such the generator (105) of voltage, or alternatively of current, can be immersed and arranged in a sealed box near the electrode pair (s) (101, 102, 103, 104) or be largely offset to the surface assembly (2) or a boat, only the connection means extending from said surface assembly (2) or from said boat towards the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) being at least partially submerged. The voltage generator (105) is configured to supply alternating voltage, or alternating current, of frequency between 10 Hz and 10 MHz, preferably between 100 Hz and 1 MHz. The voltage generator (105) is configured to deliver an alternating voltage of amplitude between 1 mV and 10 V, preferably between 100 mV and 1V.
    The device (100) for non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) also includes a measuring instrument (106).
    When an electromagnetic field generator comprises a single pair of electrodes (101, 102), the measuring instrument is configured to measure, at said pair of electrodes (101, 102), an electrical signal linked to the characteristics
    Electro-magnetic of said at least part of the annular space (13) subjected to said generated electromagnetic field.
    When an electromagnetic field generator comprises several pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104), the measuring instrument is configured to measure, at a second pair of electrodes (103, 104), the electromagnetic characteristics of said at least part of the annular space (13) subjected to said generated electromagnetic field.
    To this end, the measuring instrument (106) may include means for electrical connection to the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) on which the measurement is to be made. Each connection means can be in the form of an electric cable, one end of which is welded to the electrode (101, 102, 103, 104), or else equipped with an electrical connector cooperating with an electrical connector. corresponding arranged on the electrode (101, 102, 103, 104). As such, the measuring instrument (106) can be immersed and arranged in a sealed box close to the pair or pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) or be largely offset to the surface assembly. (2) or a boat, only the connection means extending from said surface assembly (2) or from said boat towards the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) being at least partially submerged.
    The electrical signal linked to the electromagnetic characteristics can be the voltage and / or the intensity and / or an impedance and / or any other electrical quantity suitable for a person skilled in the art. The measuring instrument (106) may include a voltmeter and / or an ammeter. In particular, the measuring instrument (106) can be an impedance meter, a combination of a voltmeter and an ammeter, which by the voltage-to-current ratio makes it possible to determine the impedance of an electrical circuit. The measuring instrument (106) is advantageously a vector network analyzer.
    The device (100) for non-destructive testing of the flexible line (10) further comprises a comparator (107) configured to compare the electrical signal linked to the electromagnetic characteristics measured with reference values so as to determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space (13) of said flexible line (10). The comparator (107) can be in the form of a microprocessor executing a piece of computer program stored in a
    -21 memory (108) and configured to determine from the measurement of the electrical input signal and reference values stored in said memory (108), the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space (13). By “nature of the fluid” is meant the fact that the fluid is a gas or a liquid. When the annular space (13) contains at least one liquid phase, the comparator (107) can also be configured to compare the measured electrical signal with reference values so as to determine the nature of the liquid phase or phases contained in the annular space (13). The term “nature of the liquid phase or phases” means the fact that the liquid is water and / or salt water and / or an oil and / or any other liquid capable of having flooded the annular space (13 ). The comparator (107) is connected to the measuring instrument (106) by means of an electronic circuit and / or electrical or optical data cables and / or wireless communication devices and / or by any other means. connection suitable for those skilled in the art.
    The device (100) for non-destructive testing of the flexible line (10) can also include one or more information means (109) connected to the comparator and configured to warn an operator of the nature of the fluid or of the liquid phase (s) . This information means (109) can comprise a sound organ configured to emit a specific sound when the annular space contains at least one liquid phase or conversely only a gaseous phase. The sound member can also be configured to emit a first sound when the annular space (13) contains at least one liquid phase and a second sound, different from said first sound, when said annular space (13) contains only a gaseous phase, or a different sound by type of liquid phase. In particular, the sound organ may include one or more speakers. This information means (109) can, alternatively or in combination, comprise a luminous member configured to emit a light signal when the annular space contains at least one liquid phase or conversely only a gaseous phase. The light member can also be configured to emit a first light signal when the annular space (13) contains at least one liquid phase and a second light signal, different from the first light signal, when said annular space (13) contains only one gas phase, or a different light signal by type of liquid phase. In particular, the luminous member may include one or more light emitting diode (LED) type indicators. This means of information (109) may, alternatively or in combination, include a
    -22 display screen allowing messages relating to the nature of the liquid contained in the annular space of the flexible line to be displayed. The information means (109) are generally arranged on the surface assembly (2) or on a boat. The information means (s) (109) are connected to the comparator (107) by means of an electronic circuit and / or electrical or optical data cables and / or wireless communication device and / or or via any other connection means suitable for those skilled in the art.
    The non-destructive testing method of the flexible line (10) according to the invention is remarkable in that it comprises the following steps:
    a) arrange in the vicinity of the outer sheath (11) at least one pair of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104),
    b) supplying alternating voltage of determined frequency, or alternating current of determined frequency, said pair of electrodes (101, 102), or a first pair of electrodes (101, 102) of said pairs of electrodes (101, 102 , 103, 104), so as to generate an electromagnetic field extending through at least part of the annular space (13),
    c) measuring, at the level of said pair of electrodes (101, 102), or of a second pair of electrodes (103, 104) of said pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104), an electrical signal linked to the characteristics electromagnetic of said at least part of the annular space (13) subjected to said generated electromagnetic field,
    d) process said electrical signal so as to determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space.
    Under the effect of the electromagnetic field, the assembly formed by the juxtaposition of two conductive armors (15) separated by a gap (16) comprising a dielectric fluid clearly less conductive than the armors (15) will behave like a capacitor whose electrical capacity depends in particular on the dielectric permittivity of the fluid. Thus, the part located between the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) is then comparable to a network of capacitors in series. Knowing the real mean dimension of the interstices (16) it is possible to calculate theoretically, knowing the electrical conductivity of the armor (15) and of the fluid, the theoretical value of the electrical capacity as a function of the nature of the fluid. These calculated theoretical values can then be stored as reference values in the memory.
    -23 (108) of the device (100). Thus by comparing the theoretical value of the electrical capacity to the measurement of the total electrical capacity between the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) at which the measurement is made, it is possible to determine which theoretical value, the value measured is the closest and thus determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space (13) of the flexible line (10).
    Referring to Figure 3, and according to a first embodiment, during step a), a single pair of electrodes (101, 102) is arranged in the vicinity of the outer sheath (11). In an embodiment with a single pair of electrodes (101, 102), it is first of all possible to arrange the two electrodes (101, 102) of the pair in an aligned manner along the same group of armours. However, the difference in measurable electrical capacity between different configurations of fluid contained in the annular space (13) is small, generally of the order of 1/10 th , and it is therefore difficult to effectively determine the nature of the fluid contained. in said annular space (13) taking into account the risks of interference from the measurement in real conditions, in particular due to an imperfect positioning of said electrodes (101, 102) relative to the external sheath (11) and / or to the armor . Thus, in order to obtain more precise measurements and an improved exploitation of the results, it is preferable that step a) comprise the following steps:
    a1) arranging a first electrode (101) of the single pair of electrodes (101, 102) facing the first armor group (17), a2) arranging a second electrode (102) of the single pair of electrodes (101, 102) facing the second group of armors (18).
    In a configuration with a single pair of electrodes (101, 102), the measurement carried out in step c) is then carried out at the same pair of electrodes (101, 102) at the terminals of which the current is delivered to the 'step b).
    Referring to Figures 4 and 5, and according to a second embodiment of step a), the latter may include step a3) consisting of arranging in the vicinity of the outer sheath (11) two pairs of electrodes ( 101, 102, 103, 104). Similarly to the first embodiment of step a), it is preferable to avoid a configuration in which the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) are aligned along the same group of armor. So in order to get more precise measurements and
    -24 improved exploitation of the results, it is preferable that step a) include the following steps:
    a3) arranging a first electrode (101) of the first pair of electrodes (101, 102) facing the first group of armors (17), a4) arranging a second electrode (102) of the first pair of electrodes (101, 102) facing the second group of armours (18).
    As shown in FIG. 4, in a first variant of the second embodiment of step a), the latter can include the following steps:
    a5) arranging a first electrode (103) of the second pair of electrodes (103, 104) facing the first group of armors (17), a6) arranging a second electrode (104) of the second pair of electrodes ( 103, 104) opposite the second group of armors (18).
    As shown in FIG. 5, in a second variant of the second embodiment of step a), the latter can include the following steps:
    a7) arranging a first electrode (103) of the second pair of electrodes (103, 104) facing the third group of armor (19), a8) arranging a second electrode (104) of the second pair of electrodes ( 103, 104) facing the fourth group of armors (20).
    In a configuration with two pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) the measurement carried out in step c) is then carried out at a second pair of electrodes (103, 104) different from the first pair of electrodes (101, 102) supplied with alternating voltage or alternating current.
    Other variants with more than two pairs of electrodes could also be imagined by a person skilled in the art without distorting the very essence of the invention.
    In practice, whatever the example or the variant of embodiment chosen for the number of pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104), and as mentioned above, each group of tack (17, 18, 19, 20) can include between 2 and 6 armor, possibly more. In order to obtain optimal measurements and exploitation of the results, it is preferable that the sum of the widths of the armor (15) of the group
    -25 of armor (17, 18, 19, 20) is at least equal to the width of the electrode (101, 102, 103, 104) which is arranged opposite.
    In practice, and whatever the example or the variant of embodiment chosen for the number of pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104), to obtain a usable measurement, it is sufficient that the electrodes (101, 102 , 103, 104) are arranged in the vicinity of the outer sheath (11) of the flexible line (10), that is to say at a distance at least less than the radius of said flexible line (10). However, the accuracy of the measurement and the exploitation of the results improve as much as the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) are close to the external sheath (11). Advantageously, the distance separating the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) from the external sheath (11) is less than 100 mm, preferably less than 20 mm. In an optimal arrangement, step a) may include step a9) consisting in arranging the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) of the at least one pair of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104 ) in contact with the outer sheath (11).
    Still with a view to optimizing the method, step b) may include step b1) consisting in supplying alternating voltage, or alternating current, with a frequency between 10 Hz and 10 MHz, preferably between 100 Hz and 200 kHz. The selection of these frequency ranges ensures better penetration of the electromagnetic field through the outer sheath (11) and the annular space (13). In addition the selection of this frequency range makes it possible to clearly distinguish between them the first case where the fluid is air (dry annular space), from the second case where the fluid is fresh water having slowly diffused through the internal sheath (annular flooded by diffusion from inside the pipe), and the third case where the fluid is salt water (annular flooded by sea water probably due to a loss of tightness of the outer sheath). The distinction between air and fresh water is mainly based on the difference between the dielectric permittivities of air and water, a difference linked in particular to the significant polarity of the water molecules. The distinction between fresh and salt water is mainly based on the difference in electrical conductivity. The selection of the aforementioned frequency range makes it possible to make the most of these differences in electromagnetic properties in a simple and reliable manner.
    -26As mentioned above, and taking into account the behavior of the assembly formed by the armor (15) and the fluid contained in the annular space (13), when said assembly is subjected to an electromagnetic field, the signal linked to the electromagnetic characteristics of the annular space that it may be interesting to measure is the electrical capacitance between armor wires. However, it can be complex to measure it directly. Thus, it may be wise to go through the measurement of other electrical signals allowing to then obtain by calculation the value of the electrical capacity via standard physical models and theories. In another way it is also possible, knowing the theoretical electrical capacity, to deduce other theoretical electrical characteristics such as the theoretical voltage, the theoretical intensity or even the theoretical impedance, and to take these theoretical values as values of reference in order to compare them directly with the measured electrical signal, namely the measured voltage, the measured current or the measured impedance. Alternatively or additionally, the reference values can also be obtained by measurements carried out in the laboratory on flexible line samples (10). Thus, step c) may comprise a step consisting in measuring the voltage across the terminals of the single pair of electrodes (101, 102) or of the second pair of electrodes (103, 104) and / or a step consisting in measuring the intensity flowing through the electrodes of said single pair of electrodes (101, 102) or of said second pair of electrodes (103, 104). Alternatively or in combination, step c) may also include step c) consisting in measuring the impedance across the terminals of the single pair of electrodes (101, 102), or of the second pair of electrodes ( 103, 104). In the case where the impedance is measured, step d) may include step d1) consisting in comparing the impedance measured across the single pair of electrodes (101, 102), or of the second pair d '' electrodes (103, 104), with a reference impedance across the single pair of electrodes (101, 102), or the second pair of electrodes (103, 104), so as to determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space (13) of the flexible line (10).
    Also and in order to obtain optimal measurements and exploitation of the results, it may be preferable to perform a measurement statically. Thus, during steps b) and c) it is preferable to keep the distance separating the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) from the or each of the pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) constant. This distance is advantageously between 200 mm and 500 mm. This
    -27 then makes it possible to ensure that there is a sufficient number of armors (15) arranged between the electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) of or each of the pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104 ) for the measurement to be optimal, generally between 8 and 20 armor.
    权利要求:
    Claims (18)
    [1" id="c-fr-0001]
    1. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) comprising at least one layer of armor (15) arranged inside an annular space (13) and an external sheath (11) surrounding said annular space (13), said annular space (13) comprising a fluid, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:
    a) arrange in the vicinity of the outer sheath (11) at least one pair of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104),
    b) supplying alternating voltage of determined frequency, or alternating current of determined frequency, said pair of electrodes (101, 102), or a first pair of electrodes (101, 102) of said pairs of electrodes (101, 102 , 103, 104), so as to generate an electromagnetic field extending through at least part of the annular space (13),
    c) measuring, at the level of said pair of electrodes (101, 102), or of a second pair of electrodes (103, 104) of said pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104), an electrical signal linked to the characteristics electromagnetic of said at least part of the annular space (13) subjected to said generated electromagnetic field,
    d) process said electrical signal so as to determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space (13).
    [2" id="c-fr-0002]
    2. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to claim 1 characterized in that during step a) a single pair of electrodes (101, 102) is arranged in the vicinity of the outer sheath ( 11).
    [3" id="c-fr-0003]
    3. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to claim 2 characterized in that the single layer of armor (14), or when the flexible line (10) comprises several layers of armor (14 , 23) the
    Armor layer (14) closest to the outer sheath (11), comprises at least a first group of armors (17) and a second group of armors (18) distinct from each other and in that step a) comprises the following steps:
    a1) arranging a first electrode (101) of the single pair of electrodes (101, 102) facing the first armor group (17), a2) arranging a second electrode (102) of the single pair of electrodes (101, 102) facing the second group of armors (18).
    [4" id="c-fr-0004]
    4. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to claim 1 characterized in that during step a) two pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) are arranged in the vicinity of the outer sheath (11), namely on the one hand a first pair of electrodes (101, 102) and on the other hand a second pair of electrodes (103, 104).
    [5" id="c-fr-0005]
    5. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to claim 4 characterized in that the single layer of armor (14), or when the flexible line (10) comprises several layers of armor (14 , 23) the armor layer (14) closest to the outer sheath (11), comprises at least a first group of armor (17) and a second group of armor (18) distinct from one of the other and in that step a) comprises the following steps:
    a3) arranging a first electrode (101) of the first pair of electrodes (101, 102) facing the first group of armors (17), a4) arranging a second electrode (102) of the first pair of electrodes (101, 102) facing the second group of armours (18).
    [6" id="c-fr-0006]
    6. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to claim 5 characterized in that step a) comprises the following steps:
    a5) arranging a first electrode (103) of the second pair of electrodes (103, 104) facing the first group of armors (17), a6) arranging a second electrode (104) of the second pair of electrodes (103, 104) facing the second group of armours (18).
    [7" id="c-fr-0007]
    7. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to claim 5 characterized in that the single layer of armor (14), or when the flexible line (10) comprises several layers of armor (14 , 23) the armor layer (14) closest to the outer sheath (11), comprises at least a third group of armors (19) and a fourth group of armors (20) distinct from one of the other and distinct from the first armor group (17) and the second armor group (18), said third armor group (19) and said fourth armor group (20) being arranged between said first group of armor (17) and said second group of armor (18) and in that step a) comprises the following steps:
    a7) arranging a first electrode (103) of the second pair of electrodes (103, 104) facing the third group of armors (19), a8) arranging a second electrode (104) of the second pair of electrodes (103, 104) facing the fourth group of armours (20).
    [8" id="c-fr-0008]
    8. Method for non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that step a) comprises the following step:
    a9) arranging the electrodes of the at least one pair of electrodes (101,102,103, 104) in contact with the external sheath (11).
    [9" id="c-fr-0009]
    9. Method for non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that step b) comprises the following step:
    b1) supply alternating voltage, or alternating current, of frequency between 10 Hz and 10 MHz, preferably between 100 Hz and 200 kHz.
    [10" id="c-fr-0010]
    10. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 3 characterized in that the electrical signal
    -31 measured during step c) is the complex impedance across said single pair of electrodes (101, 102).
    [11" id="c-fr-0011]
    11. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7 characterized in that the electrical signal measured during step c) is a complex signal, the modulus of said complex signal being equal to the amplitude of the voltage measured across the second pair of electrodes (103, 104), and the phase of said complex signal being equal to the phase shift measured between on the one hand the voltage across the terminals of the second pair of electrodes (103, 104) and on the other hand the voltage or current supplying the first pair of electrodes (101, 102).
    [12" id="c-fr-0012]
    12. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line according to any one of claims 10 to 11 characterized in that step d) comprises the following step:
    d1) compare the module and the phase of the measured electrical signal with reference values so as to determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space (13).
    [13" id="c-fr-0013]
    13. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during steps b) and c) the distance separating the electrodes from or from each of the pairs of electrodes ( 101, 102, 103, 104) is kept fixed.
    [14" id="c-fr-0014]
    14. A method of non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) according to claim 13 characterized in that the distance separating the electrodes from or from each of the pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) is between 100 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 200 mm and 500 mm.
    [15" id="c-fr-0015]
    15. Device for non-destructive testing of a flexible line (10) comprising at least one layer of armor (14, 23) arranged inside an annular space (13) and an external sheath (11) surrounding said annular space (13), said space
    -32annular (13) comprising a fluid, characterized in that said device comprises:
    - an electromagnetic field generator configured to generate an electromagnetic field extending through at least part of the annular space (13), said electromagnetic field generator comprising:
    - at least one pair of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104) intended to be arranged in the vicinity of the external sheath (11),
    - a generator (105) of voltage, or of current, configured to supply alternating voltage of determined frequency, respectively in alternating current of determined frequency, said pair of electrodes (101, 102) or a first pair of electrodes (101,102 ) said pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104), so as to generate an electromagnetic field extending through at least part of the annular space (13),
    a measuring instrument (106) configured to measure at the level of said pair of electrodes (101, 102), or of a second pair of electrodes (103, 104) of said pairs of electrodes (101, 102, 103, 104), an electrical signal linked to the electromagnetic characteristics of said at least part of the annular space (13) subjected to said generated electromagnetic field,
    - a comparator (107) configured to compare said electrical signal with reference values so as to determine the nature of the fluid contained in the annular space (13).
    [16" id="c-fr-0016]
    16. Non-destructive testing device for a flexible line according to claim 15 characterized in that the electrodes of the electrode pair (s) (101, 102, 103, 104) comprise a conductive body of metal, preferably copper.
    [17" id="c-fr-0017]
    17. Non-destructive testing device for a flexible line according to claim 16 characterized in that the conductive body of the electrodes of the electrode pair (s) (101,102,103, 104) has a parallelepiped shape
    Of rectangular base whose length and width are between 20 mm and 250 mm, preferably square base with sides equal to 70 mm.
    [18" id="c-fr-0018]
    18. Device for non-destructive testing of a flexible line according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the measuring instrument (106) is a vector network analyzer.
    1/5
    2/5
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    EP0077757B1|1985-04-24|Process for detecting failures in a dielectric coating on the surface of an electrically conducting substrate
    EP0415848A1|1991-03-06|Method for monitoring flexible tubular cables and pipes during operation and acoustical pickup to implement this method
    FR3061556B1|2019-07-05|METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN UNDERWATER DRIVE AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING IT
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2018211384A1|2019-08-15|
    FR3062211B1|2021-12-24|
    US11169106B2|2021-11-09|
    BR112019015160A2|2020-03-24|
    US20190391097A1|2019-12-26|
    WO2018138151A1|2018-08-02|
    EP3574314A1|2019-12-04|
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    JP2011027216A|2009-07-28|2011-02-10|Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd:The|Marine hose|
    US20160025663A1|2013-03-07|2016-01-28|Rocsole Ltd|Method and apparatus for investigating permittivity in a target domain|WO2020127844A1|2018-12-21|2020-06-25|Technip France|Flexible conduit including a system for detecting an evolution of an environmental parameter|JPS57146149A|1981-03-05|1982-09-09|Toshiba Corp|Sodium leakage detector|
    FR2911907B1|2007-01-26|2009-03-06|Technip France Sa|FLEXIBLE UPLINK CONDUIT FOR TRANSPORTING HYDROCARBONS.|
    FR2915552B1|2007-04-27|2009-11-06|Technip France|FLEXIBLE TUBULAR DRIVING FOR THE TRANSPORT OF GASEOUS HYDROCARBONS.|
    GB2446670C|2007-07-11|2013-03-13|Flexlife Ltd|Inspection method|
    FR2962548B1|2010-07-08|2012-08-17|Inst Francais Du Petrole|METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE INTEGRITY OF A FLEXIBLE TUBULAR DRIVE AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING SAID METHOD|SG10201808916XA|2014-09-30|2018-11-29|Flexsteel Pipeline Technologies Inc|Connector for pipes|
    CA3004049C|2015-11-02|2021-06-01|Flexsteel Pipeline Technologies, Inc.|Real time integrity monitoring of on-shore pipes|
    US11208257B2|2016-06-29|2021-12-28|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Pipe coil skid with side rails and method of use|
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    US11242948B2|2019-11-22|2022-02-08|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Potted pipe fitting systems and methods|
    WO2021102318A1|2019-11-22|2021-05-27|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Reusable pipe fitting systems and methods|
    US10822194B1|2019-12-19|2020-11-03|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Expandable coil deployment system for drum assembly and method of using same|
    法律状态:
    2018-01-26| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |
    2018-07-27| PLSC| Publication of the preliminary search report|Effective date: 20180727 |
    2020-01-28| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 4 |
    2021-01-28| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 5 |
    2022-01-31| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 6 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    FR1700061A|FR3062211B1|2017-01-24|2017-01-24|METHOD FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF A FLEXIBLE LINE AND ASSOCIATED NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING DEVICE|
    FR1700061|2017-01-24|FR1700061A| FR3062211B1|2017-01-24|2017-01-24|METHOD FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF A FLEXIBLE LINE AND ASSOCIATED NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING DEVICE|
    EP18704882.2A| EP3574314A1|2017-01-24|2018-01-24|Method for controlling a flexible line and associated control device|
    US16/480,518| US11169106B2|2017-01-24|2018-01-24|Device and method for nondestructive inspection of a flexible underwater pipe|
    PCT/EP2018/051734| WO2018138151A1|2017-01-24|2018-01-24|Method for controlling a flexible line and associated control device|
    AU2018211384A| AU2018211384A1|2017-01-24|2018-01-24|Method for controlling a flexible line and associated control device|
    BR112019015160-5A| BR112019015160A2|2017-01-24|2018-01-24|METHOD FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION OF A FLEXIBLE LINE AND DEVICE FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION OF A FLEXIBLE LINE|
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