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    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to an underwater flexible pipe for the transport of hydrocarbons comprising, from the outside to the inside of the pipe: an outer polymeric sheath for sealing, at least one layer of tensile armor as a reinforcing layer, - an internal polymeric sheath sealing, - optionally a metal casing, characterized in that the outer polymeric sheath sealing comprises an outer polymeric layer 8 comprising a polymer Pe which coated an inner polymeric layer 10 comprising a polymer Pi, the Young's modulus at 20 ° C of the polymer Pe being lower than that of the polymer Pi and its preparation process. This pipe is particularly suitable for transporting hydrocarbons dynamically.
    公开号:FR3076337A1
    申请号:FR1763362
    申请日:2017-12-29
    公开日:2019-07-05
    发明作者:Emmanuelle Quemeneur
    申请人:Technip France SAS；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Flexible underwater pipe including an external multilayer sheath
    The present invention relates to a flexible submarine pipe intended for the transport of hydrocarbons in deep water.
    These pipes are capable of being used under high pressures, greater than 100 bars, or even up to 1000 bars, and at high temperatures, greater than 130 ° C. or even 170 ° C., for long periods of time, this that is to say several years, typically 30 years.
    Flexible submarine pipes intended for the transportation of oil in deep water include an assembly of flexible sections or a single flexible section. These flexible pipes include a metallic reinforcing layer around an internal polymeric sealing sheath, in which the hydrocarbons circulate. They typically include, from the outside to the inside of the pipe:
    - an external polymeric sheath,
    - at least one layer of tensile armor as a reinforcing layer, which is generally metallic,
    - an internal polymeric sheath,
    - possibly a carcass.
    Each tensile armor ply is formed of wires, generally metallic, placed with a clearance which thus creates a free volume, called annular, between the external polymeric sealing sheath and the internal polymeric sealing sheath. The ring finger can be filled with gases which come from the internal space of the pipe and which have passed through the internal polymeric sheath of sealing by permeability.
    The external polymeric sheath of sealing must answer various functions which are in particular:
    - the mechanical protection of the ply (s) of tensile armor, in particular the protection against shocks and friction with which the flexible pipe could be confronted during its installation or its commissioning, and the resistance to wear, in particular in the event of relative contact and displacement with the laying equipment,
    - the addition of stiffness / rigidity to the flexible pipe, especially in very dynamic areas to limit the curvature of the flexible pipe,
    - protection against the penetration of seawater into the ring finger to prevent corrosion of the metal wires,
    - the ability to ensure resistance to circumferential forces ("hoop stress" in English) due to the pressure of the gases filling the ring finger,
    - thermal insulation, because to facilitate the exploitation of deposits, the internal space must be at a temperature higher than the temperature of formation of hydrates and paraffins.
    There are two main applications for these flexible pipes which can be static or dynamic. The API 17J normative document, 4th edition, May 2014 defines the dynamic application and the static application.
    By dynamic application is meant an application in which the flexible pipe is subjected to cyclic forces. Indeed, in certain configurations, the flexible pipe extends between a bottom structure such as a well head or a collector and a surface assembly such as a production, storage and unloading vessel ("FPSO"). , Floating Production Storage and Offloading in English). Such a pipe is called riser pipe (“riser” in English). In this configuration, the movement of the laying vessel imposes large cyclical constraints on the flexible pipe characteristic of a dynamic application.
    In contrast, a static application is characterized by the absence of large cyclical constraints imposed on the pipe. Typically, the flexible pipe can extend over the seabed or be buried in the seabed. Such conduct is generally designated by the English term "flowline". In this configuration, the mechanical stresses are not very cyclical.
    Different materials have been selected to meet the various functions of the external polymeric sheath. These materials are mainly polyamides (PA), polyethylenes (PE) and elastomeric thermoplastic polymers (TPE). Depending on the conditions of application of the flexible pipe, one material will be favored over another for the desired performances such as stiffness, thermal insulation and sealing against sea water.
    Polyethylenes are sensitive to the formation of nicks. They are therefore generally not used for the external sheath in contact with seawater for dynamic applications because of the risk of damage when handling the pipes.
    For dynamic applications, the external sheaths are generally limited to thermoplastic elastomeric or polyamide materials.
    Polyamides are mainly used for specific requirements such as very good wear resistance.
    By way of material constituting the outermost layer in contact with seawater, preference is given to elastomeric thermoplastic polymers which in particular have better permeability properties than polyethylene, which allows the environment of the ring finger to be desévérère and better thermal insulation. For example, application FR 2 837 898 describes a flexible pipe whose external polymeric sealing sheath is made of elastomeric thermoplastic polymer (TPE). However, the use of an external TPE sheath has limitations: the resistance to circumferential forces of TPE sheaths is significantly lower than that of polyethylene. Also, the rigidity of the TPE sheaths is insufficient in the context of dynamic applications and sometimes leads to having to increase the thickness of the external sheath only in relation to this aspect, which involves an additional cost. Finally, the wear resistance of TPE is lower than that of polyethylene.
    Flexible submarine pipes can also include a protective sheath which covers the external polymeric sealing sheath (the protective sheath is then the outermost layer, that in contact with seawater). The function of the protective sheath is to protect the external polymeric sealing sheath and / or to make the flexible pipe more rigid, especially in very dynamic areas.
    For example, application WO 2011/072690 describes a flexible pipe comprising an external polymeric sealing sheath coated with a layer improving stiffness (“stiffening cover” in English) and being based on a polymer whose flexural modulus is greater than that of the material of the external polymeric sealing sheath. In one embodiment, the material of this stiffness-improving layer may be a combination of a TPE and a thermovinyl thermoplastic polymer. In another embodiment, the material of the stiffness-improving layer is identical to that of the external polymeric sheath. However, difficulties can then be observed during assembly with the end piece, given the too intimate bonding between these two sheaths of the same nature. In addition, in case of damage to the rigidity-improving layer, there may be propagation of cracks in the stiffness-improving layer through the external polymeric sealing sheath. The protective sheaths and external sheath then no longer perform their sealing functions. It is therefore preferable to have materials with a separate polymeric outer sheath and protective sheath. In addition, in the event of damage to the layer improving the rigidity, the stiffness of the flexible pipe may become insufficient, in particular for dynamic applications.
    In addition, the presence of this additional protective sheath requires the addition of an additional step in the manufacture of flexible pipes.
    This protective sheath also poses problems of transmission of radial forces during installation. This point is particularly critical for very deep applications for which the hanging point is important during installation. This problem concerns both the structures of dynamic and static applications.
    The development of an alternative polymeric external sealing sheath which does not have these drawbacks and which makes it possible to use the flexible pipe, in particular in dynamic applications, is sought.
    To this end, according to a first object, the invention relates to an underwater pipe intended for the transport of hydrocarbons, comprising, from the outside to the inside of the pipe:
    - an external polymeric sheath,
    - at least one layer of tensile armor as a reinforcing layer,
    - an internal polymeric sheath,
    - optionally a metal carcass, characterized in that the external polymeric sheathing comprises an external polymeric layer comprising a polymer P e which coats an internal polymeric layer comprising a polymer P ,, the Young's modulus at 20 ° C. of the polymer P e being less than that of the polymer P ,.
    The external polymeric layer protects the internal polymeric layer and thus preserves the tightness of the flexible pipe.
    The internal polymeric layer improves:
    - the rigidity of the flexible pipe,
    - the resistance to the circumferential forces of the external polymeric sheath, and / or
    - the resistance to wear of the external polymeric sheath.
    Thus, the mechanical properties of the external polymeric sealing sheath are improved in comparison with a polymeric external sealing sheath consisting of a single layer, in particular a single layer of elastomeric thermoplastic polymer.
    These properties make the flexible underwater pipe according to the invention particularly suitable for being used for dynamic applications. It is preferably a riser.
    Typically the polymer P e of the external polymer layer has a modulus of
    Young at 20 ° C below 500 MPa, in particular below 300 MPa, preferably of
    200 MPa to 300 MPa and the polymer P, from the internal polymer layer has a modulus
    Young at 20 ° C greater than 500 MPa, in particular greater than 700 MPa, preferably greater than 1000 MPa.
    Alternatively, the polymer P e of the outer polymeric layer has a modulus of
    Young at 20 ° C below 300 MPa, preferably from 200 MPa to 300 MPa and the polymer
    P, of the internal polymer layer has a Young's modulus at 20 ° C. greater than 300 MPa, in particular greater than 500 MPa, preferably greater than 700 MPa, a module greater than 1000 MPa being particularly preferred.
    Young's module is measured according to ASTM D638-14 (“Standard test method for tensile properties of plastics”) of 2014, typically taking into account the following test parameters:
    Test machine speed: 50 mm / min,
    Test sample: type IV according to the classification of Standard ASTM D638
    - Characteristics of the test sample: 25 mm long, 6 mm wide and 2 mm thick.
    Advantageously, the polymer P e of the external polymer layer has a Young's modulus at 20 ° C. from 200 MPa to 300 MPa. The external polymer layer is thus sufficiently elastic to resist external stresses and ensure the tightness of the pipe and rigid enough to resist abrasion associated with devices for installing the flexible pipe such as tensioners or clamps or clamping forces.
    Given this minimum rigidity that advantageously has the polymer Pe, the external polymer layer exerts a force on the internal polymer layer. This effort is likely to increase the phenomenon of propagation of cracks through the internal polymeric layer.
    Preferably, the bonding strength between the internal polymer layer and the external polymer layer is from 1 N / m to 10 N / m, preferably from 2 N / m to 6 N / m . The bonding resistance can be measured according to ISO8510-2, 2nd edition, from 2006-12-01.
    Indeed, surprisingly, it has been demonstrated that a maximum bonding resistance of 10 N / m advantageously makes it possible to limit the propagation of cracks and allows the use of a polymer P e with sufficient rigidity.
    It has also been discovered that insufficient bonding between the inner polymeric layer and the outer polymeric layer can cause difficulties during installation.
    In fact, the radial clamping forces are not transmitted between the two layers and the internal polymeric layer slips during the installation of the flexible pipe. To overcome this drawback, it has been demonstrated that the minimum bonding resistance between the internal polymer layer and the external polymer layer is advantageously 1 N / m.
    Advantageously, such bonding resistance is sufficient for:
    - that the internal polymeric layer coated with the external polymeric layer together form a single and same layer (namely the external polymeric sealing sheath),
    - ensure good transmission of radial forces during the installation of the flexible pipe (and in particular better transmission of radial forces during installation in relation to an external polymeric sealing sheath comprising two layers which are not linked together) because the adhesion of the internal polymer layer and the external polymer layer is important, but is sufficiently weak that the internal polymer layer and the external polymer layer are not intimately linked. Thus, when cracks form in the outer polymeric layer, they do not propagate in the inner polymeric layer. The absence of cracks on the internal polymeric layer advantageously makes it possible to seal the pipe.
    The external polymeric sealing sheath can be obtained by coextruding the internal polymeric layer and the external polymeric layer under conditions allowing such bonding resistance to be obtained, in particular by choosing:
    - polymers P e and P ,,
    - the coextrusion temperature, preferably between 140 ° C and 220 ° C,
    - the extrusion speed, preferably between 0.2 m / min and 0.6 m / min, and / or
    - the cooling mode, in particular the cooling rate and / or the nature of the flow used to cool, preferably water.
    Preferably, the flexible pipe does not comprise a binder between the external polymer layer and the internal polymer layer in order to limit the costs.
    Generally, the polymer P, of the internal polymeric layer is made of polyolefin, in particular of homopolymer polyethylene, of homopolymer polypropylene, of copolymer of polyethylene and of polypropylene or of a mixture of these. The internal polymeric layer can comprise a single polyolefin or a mixture of polyolefins.
    The polymer P e of the outer polymeric layer is generally made of an elastomeric thermoplastic polymer (TPE). The outer polymeric layer may comprise a single TPE or a mixture of TPE. These TPEs are in fact particularly suitable for obtaining the abovementioned bonding resistance between the internal polymeric layer and the external polymeric layer when the layers comprising them are coextruded.
    When the internal polymeric layer or the external polymeric layer comprises several polymers, the Young's modulus to be considered is that of the mixture of polymers. For example, when the internal polymer layer comprises several polymers P, and the external polymer layer comprises several polymers P e , the Young's modulus at 20 ° C. of the mixture of polymers P e is lower than that of the mixture of polymers P i . Elastomeric thermoplastic polymers generally have an elongation at the flow threshold greater than 15%. TPEs are located between thermoplastic resins, easy and varied to use, but whose properties are limited in temperature or, in the dynamic field and elastomers with remarkable elastic co-ownerships, but which are heavy, complex and often polluting. The structure of TPEs always includes two non-compatible phases, one of them bringing together the thermoplastic sequences dispersed in the elastomer phase. There are generally five categories of VSE:
    - olefinic thermoplastic elastomers (TPO), which are physical mixtures made from polyolefins. A distinction is made between those which contain more than 60% of olefin and those whose preponderant elastomer phase (more than 70%), the latter being able to be crosslinked or not,
    - block copolymers based on polystyrene, the rigid phase of which consists of polystyrene blocks, the flexible phase which may for example be formed of polybutadiene (SBS), polyisoprene (SIS), or poly (ethylene butylene) blocks (SEBS)
    - block copolymers based on polyurethane (TPU) which can be obtained by joint reaction of a high molecular weight diol which constitutes the crystallizable elastomer block of TPE, on a diisocyanate and a low molecular weight diol which generate the rigid block .
    - polyester-based block copolymers such as those obtained by copolymerization of a polybutylene (PBT) or of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which constitutes the rigid and crystalline blocks and of a low molecular weight glycol (butane diol, diethylene glycol) which, associated with a polyalkylene ether glycol, forms the flexible crystallizable block.
    - block copolymers based on polyamide, the rigid blocks of which consist of polyamide (PA) and the flexible crystallizable blocks of polyether, also called polyetheramides.
    The TPEs can be chosen from ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubbers (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, methyl methacrylate-butadiene styrene copolymers, ester-amide and ether-amide copolymers, thermoplastic copolyethers-esters, copolymers blocks based on polystyrene and elastomer of the polyisoprene type, polybutadiene, etc. the styrene butadiene-styrene copolymers, the ethylene-ethylacrylate, ethylene-ethylacetate and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers as well as their terpolymers, fluorinated elastomers, silicone elastomers, fluorinated silicone elastomers, polyurethanes.
    The TPE can be crosslinked, uncrosslinked, or a mixture of crosslinked and uncrosslinked TPE.
    The polyolefins used as polymer P, and the TPEs used as polymer P e are commercially available or can be prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art.
    Preferably, the inner polymer layer and the outer polymer layer do not have the same color. In the event of damage to the external polymeric layer, the difference in coloring makes it possible to have a wear indicator of the external polymeric sealing layer. This difference in color can in particular be visible during an inspection by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
    The external polymeric sealing sheath is multilayer. In one embodiment, it consists of the internal polymer layer and the external polymer layer. In another embodiment, it comprises one or more additional layers, in particular one or more localized layer (s) between the internal polymer layer and the tensile armor ply (when the pipe comprises several plies armor, this is the outermost armor layer). Typically, the external polymeric sheath comprises an additional polymeric layer of polymer P s , the additional polymeric layer being coated with the internal polymeric layer.
    Preferably, the bonding strength between the internal polymer layer and the additional polymer layer is from 1 N / m to 10 N / m, preferably from 2 N / m to 6 N / m. Such bonding resistance is sufficient for:
    - that the additional polymeric layer coated with the internal polymeric layer coated with the external polymeric layer together form a single external polymeric sealing sheath,
    - Ensure good transmission of the radial forces during the laying of the flexible pipe, because the adhesion of the internal polymer layer and of the additional polymer layer is high, but sufficiently weak so that the internal polymer layer and the additional polymer layer do not are not intimately related.
    The external polymeric sealing sheath can be obtained by coextruding the additional polymeric layer, the internal polymeric layer and the external polymeric layer under conditions allowing the abovementioned bonding strengths to be obtained, in particular by choosing:
    polymers P s , P e and P ,,
    - the coextrusion temperature,
    - the extrusion speed, preferably between 0.2 m / min and 0.6 m / min, and / or
    - the cooling mode, in particular the cooling rate and / or the nature of the flow used to cool, preferably water.
    Generally, the external polymer layer, the internal polymer layer and the optional additional polymer layer are obtained by coextrusion. Coextrusion is easy to implement. The preparation process according to the invention is thus simpler and less costly than a process in which each layer of the external polymeric sheathing is extruded one after the other. Preferably, the pipe does not comprise a binder between the additional polymeric layer and the internal polymeric layer in order to limit the costs.
    The external polymeric sealing sheath comprising coextruded layers advantageously makes it possible to simplify the design of the end pieces since there is only one sheath to be crimped, while at least two sheaths must be crimped in the end pieces when the pipe comprises :
    an external polymeric sealing sheath comprising layers which are not linked together, or
    - an external polymeric sheath and a protective sheath.
    Typically, the polymer P s of the additional polymeric layer is made of an elastomeric thermoplastic polymer, which may be the same or different from that of the outer polymeric layer. The TPE useful as polymer P s is in particular as defined above. The additional polymer layer may comprise a single TPE or a mixture of TPE.
    Each layer of the external polymeric sealing sheath of the pipe typically comprises:
    - a polymer matrix, and
    - possibly components dispersed discontinuously in the polymer matrix.
    By "polymeric matrix" is meant the continuous polymeric phase which forms the layer of the outer polymeric sealing sheath. The polymer matrix is a continuous matrix. Each layer of the external polymeric sheath may optionally comprise components that are dispersed discontinuously in the polymer matrix, but which are not part of the polymer matrix. Such components can for example be fillers such as fibers, which can themselves be polymeric.
    The external polymeric sheath is generally obtained by coextrusion of as many masterbatches as there are layers included in the external polymeric sheath (for example two masterbatches for an external polymeric sheath made up of the internal polymeric layers and outer polymeric layer). Each masterbatch contains at least one polymer (which will form the polymer matrix) and possibly one or more additives. During coextrusion, certain additives are incorporated into the polymer matrix, while others do not mix with the polymer (s) forming the polymer matrix and disperse discontinuously in the polymer matrix, to form components dispersed discontinuously in the polymer matrix.
    Preferably, the polymer matrix of the internal polymer layer comprises a polymer P, and / or the polymer matrix of the external polymer layer comprises a polymer P e and / or the polymer matrix of the additional polymer layer comprises a polymer P s .
    Usually :
    the mass proportion of polymer P, or of the mixture of polymer P, in the internal polymeric layer is greater than 50% by weight, in particular greater than 70% by weight, preferably greater than or equal to 80% by weight relative to the internal polymer layer, and / or
    the mass proportion of polymer P e or of the mixture of polymer P e in the external polymeric layer is greater than 50% by weight, in particular greater than 70% by weight, preferably greater than or equal to 80% by weight relative to the external polymer layer, and / or
    the mass proportion of polymer P s or of the mixture of polymer P s in the additional polymeric layer is greater than 50% by weight, in particular greater than 70% by weight, preferably greater than or equal to 80% by weight relative to the additional polymeric layer.
    The internal polymeric layer and / or the external polymeric layer and / or the additional polymeric layer may (wind) comprise additives, such as antioxidants, anti-UV, reinforcing fillers and / or manufacturing adjuvant.
    Generally, the external polymer layer is capable of being in contact with seawater. By “external polymeric layer capable of being in contact with seawater”, it is meant that the layer comes into contact with the sea water when the pipe is put into service. Thus, the pipe does not comprise an external tubular layer (that is to say a layer impermeable to sea water) which would oppose contact between the sea water and the external polymeric layer. Typically, the outer polymeric layer of the pipe is not coated with a metal tube or with a polymeric tubular layer. Preferably, the outer polymeric layer is thus the outermost layer of the pipe. The advantageous properties of the external polymeric sealing sheath reported above have the consequence that a protective sheath or overcoating is not necessary.
    In addition to the external polymeric sheath, the pipe comprises at least one sheet of tensile armor, an internal polymeric sheath, and possibly a metal carcass, these layers generally being as described in the normative documents published. by the American Petroleum Institute (API), API 17J (4th edition - May 2014) and API RP 17B (5th edition - May 2014).
    If the pipe includes a metal carcass, it is said to be a non-smooth passage (rough-bore in English). If the pipe is free of metal carcass, it is said to be smooth-bore (smooth-bore in English).
    The main function of the metal carcass is to take up the radial forces directed from the outside towards the inside of the pipe in order to avoid collapse ("collapse" in English) of all or part of the pipe under the effect of these efforts. These efforts are notably linked to hydrostatic pressure exerted by seawater when the flexible pipe is submerged. Thus, the hydrostatic pressure can reach a very high level when the pipe is immersed at great depth, for example 200 bar when the pipe is submerged at a depth of 2000 m so that it is then often essential to equip the flexible pipe of a metal carcass.
    The metal carcass also has the function of preventing the collapse of the internal polymeric sealing sheath during rapid decompression of a flexible pipe having transported hydrocarbons. In fact, the gases contained in the hydrocarbons diffuse slowly through the internal polymeric sealing sheath and are partially trapped in the annular space between the internal polymeric sealing sheath and the external polymeric sheath. Consequently, during a production stoppage causing rapid decompression of the interior of the flexible pipe, the pressure prevailing in this annular space may temporarily become significantly greater than the pressure prevailing inside the pipe, which in turn the absence of a metal carcass would lead to the collapse of the internal polymeric sealing sheath.
    Consequently, generally, for the transport of hydrocarbons, a pipe comprising a metal carcass is preferred, whereas a pipe free of metal carcass will be suitable for the transport of water and / or steam under pressure. In addition, when the pipe is intended both to transport hydrocarbons and to be submerged at great depths, then the metal carcass becomes essential in most applications.
    The metal frame is made up of longitudinal elements helically wound in a short pitch. These longitudinal elements are strips or stainless steel wires arranged in turns stapled to each other. Advantageously, the metal carcass is produced by profiling an S-shaped strip and then winding it in a helix so as to staple the adjacent turns together.
    In the present application, the concept of short pitch winding designates any helical winding at a helix angle close to 90 °, typically between 75 ° and 90 °. The notion of long-pitch winding recovers the helix angles of less than 60 °, typically between 20 ° and 60 ° for the armor plies.
    In known manner, the internal polymeric sealing sheath is intended for sealingly confining the fluid transported within the flexible pipe. It is formed from a polymer material, for example based on a polyolefin such as polyethylene, based on a polyamide such as PA11 or PA12, or based on a fluorinated polymer such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ). The choice of polymeric material generally depends on the pressure, temperature and composition of the transported fluid.
    The tensile armor plies consist of metallic wires or of composite material wound in long steps and have the main function of taking up the axial forces linked on the one hand to the internal pressure prevailing inside the flexible pipe and on the other hand the weight of the flexible pipe especially when it is suspended. The presence of an additional metal reinforcing layer intended to take up the radial forces linked to the internal pressure, a layer in particular called a "pressure vault", is not essential since the helix angles of the wires constituting the plies d 'tensile armor are close to 55 °. Indeed, this particular helix angle gives the tensile armor plies the ability to take up, in addition to the axial forces, the radial forces exerted on the flexible pipe and directed from the inside towards the outside of the pipe.
    Preferably and in particular for deep water applications, in addition to the tensile armor plies, the flexible pipe comprises a pressure vault interposed between the internal polymeric sealing sheath and the tensile armor plies. In such a case, the radial forces exerted on the flexible pipe, in particular the radial forces directed from the inside towards the outside of the pipe are taken up by the pressure vault in order to avoid the bursting of the internal polymer sheath under the effect of the pressure inside the pipe. The pressure vault is made up of longitudinal elements wound in a short pitch, for example metal wires of Z (zeta), C, T (teta), U, K or X section arranged in turns stapled to each other. .
    The nature, number, dimensioning and organization of the layers constituting the flexible conduits are essentially linked to their conditions of use and installation. Of course, the pipe can comprise one or more tubular layers (metallic and / or polymeric) in addition to the external polymeric sheath of sealing, of the web (s) of tensile armor, of the internal polymeric sheath sealing and any metal carcass, for example:
    - a retaining layer between the external polymer sheath and the tensile armor plies,
    - one or more anti-wear layer (s).
    The flexible pipes according to the invention are particularly suitable for transporting fluids, in particular hydrocarbons in the seabed, to great depths. Advantageously, the reinforcing layers of the flexible pipe such as the tensile armor ply (s) and / or the pressure vault is (are) free to move relative to the polymeric layers such as the internal polymeric sheath and / or the external polymeric sheath and / or any tubular polymeric layer making up the flexible pipe. Typically, the reinforcing layers of the flexible pipe according to the present invention are not embedded in an elastomeric sheath. Also, the reinforcing layers of the flexible pipe such as the tensile armor plies and / or the pressure vault are free to move relative to the polymeric layers such as the internal sealing sheath and / or the polymeric sheath. external sealing and / or any tubular layer making up the flexible pipe.
    Flexible pipes can be used at great depths, typically up to 3000 meters deep. They allow the transport of fluids, in particular of hydrocarbons, having a temperature typically reaching 130 ° C and which can even exceed 150 ° C and an internal pressure which can reach 1000 bars, even 1500 bars.
    The external polymeric layer and the internal polymeric layer of the external polymeric sheath generally have a thickness of 1 mm to 75 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 7.5 mm. Their thicknesses can be the same or different.
    The external polymeric sheath for sealing the flexible pipe is typically tubular, generally has a diameter of 50 mm to 600 mm, preferably from 50 mm to
    400 mm, and / or a thickness of 2 mm to 150 mm, preferably from 4 mm to 15 mm and / or a length of 1 m to 10 km.
    According to a second object, the invention relates to a process for preparing a pipe as defined above comprising the steps of:
    a) extrusion to form the internal polymeric sealing sheath, the extrusion possibly being carried out on a metal carcass,
    b) assembly of the internal polymeric sheath obtained in step a) with at least one layer of tensile armor, then
    c) coextrusion of the external polymeric layer, of the internal polymeric layer and the optional additional polymeric layer to form the external polymeric sealing sheath.
    If the extrusion of step a) is not carried out on a carcass, but independently, the flexible pipe obtained is with smooth passage ("Smooth bore" in English). If the extrusion of step a) is carried out on a carcass, the flexible pipe obtained is with a non-smooth passage ("Rough bore" in English).
    The steps a) of extrusion and c) of coextrusion can be carried out by any method known to a person skilled in the art, for example using a single-screw or twin-screw extruder.
    When one of the layers of the external polymeric sheathing comprises several polymers, the mixing of the two polymers can be carried out before or during the coextrusion.
    The layers are thus assembled to form a flexible submarine pipe in which the reinforcing layer (s), such as the tensile armor ply (s) and / or the vault of pressure, is (are) free to move relative to the polymeric layers such as the internal polymeric sheath and / or the external polymeric sheath and / or any tubular polymeric layer making up the flexible pipe. Also, the layers are assembled to form a flexible underwater pipe in which the reinforcing layers such as the tensile armor plies and / or the pressure vault are free to move relative to the polymeric layers such as the sheath. internal sealing and / or the external polymeric sheath and / or any tubular layer forming the flexible pipe.
    According to a third object, the invention relates to a flexible underwater pipe which can be obtained by the aforementioned method.
    According to a fourth object, the invention relates to the use of the above-mentioned flexible submarine pipe for the transport of hydrocarbons, in particular for dynamic applications.
    Other particularities and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of indication but not limitation, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
    Figures 1 and 2 are partial schematic perspective views of flexible pipes according to the invention.
    FIG. 1 illustrates a flexible underwater pipe according to the invention comprising, from the outside to the inside:
    an external polymeric sheath comprising an internal polymeric layer 10 comprising a polymer P, and being coated with an external polymeric layer 8 comprising a polymer P e , the Young's modulus at 20 ° C. of the polymer P e being lower than that of polymer P ,,
    - an outer layer of tensile armor 12,
    an internal ply of tensile armor 14 wound in the opposite direction from the external ply 12,
    a pressure vault 18 for taking up the radial forces generated by the pressure of the hydrocarbons transported,
    an internal polymeric sheath 20, and
    - An internal carcass 22 for resuming the radial crushing forces.
    FIG. 2 illustrates a flexible pipe according to the invention comprising, from the outside to the inside:
    an external polymeric sealing sheath comprising an additional polymeric layer 11 comprising a polymer P s and being coated with an internal polymeric layer 10 comprising a polymer P, and being coated with an external polymeric layer 8 comprising a polymer P e , the module Young's at 20 ° C of the polymer P e being lower than that of the polymer P ,,
    - an outer layer of tensile armor 12,
    an internal ply of tensile armor 14 wound in the opposite direction from the external ply 12,
    a pressure vault 18 for taking up the radial forces generated by the pressure of the hydrocarbons transported,
    an internal polymeric sheath 20, and
    - An internal carcass 22 for resuming the radial crushing forces.
    Due to the presence of the internal carcass 22, these pipes are said to have a non-smooth passage (rough bore in English). The invention could also be applied to a so-called smooth passage pipe (smooth-bore in English), not comprising an internal carcass.
    Similarly, it would not go beyond the scope of the present invention to do away with the pressure vault 18. Preferably, in the absence of a pressure vault 18, the helix angles of the wires constituting the armor plies 12, 14 are close to 55 ° and in the opposite direction.
    The armor plies 12, 14 are obtained by winding a long pitch from a set of wires made of metallic or composite material, of generally substantially rectangular section. The invention would also apply if these wires had a circular or complex geometry section, of the self-stapled type, for example. In Figure 1, only two layers of armor 12 and 14 are shown, but the pipe could also include one or more additional pairs of armor. The armor ply 12 is said to be external because it is here the last, starting from the interior of the pipe, before the external sealing sheath 10.
    The flexible pipe can also include layers not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, such as:
    a retaining layer between the external polymeric sheath 10 and the tensile armor plies 12 and 14, or between two tensile armor plies,
    - one or more anti-wear layers in polymeric material in contact either with the internal face of the aforementioned retaining layer, or with its external face, or with both sides, this anti-wear layer to prevent the retaining layer from wearing out on contact with metallic armor. The anti-wear layers, which are well known to those skilled in the art, are generally produced by helical winding of one or more ribbons obtained by extrusion of a polymeric material based on polyamide, polyolefins, or PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride in English). Reference may also be made to document WO 2006/120320 which describes anti-wear layers consisting of tapes made of polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polyetherimide (PEI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) ) or phenylene polysulfide (PPS).
    权利要求:
    Claims (11)
    [1" id="c-fr-0001]
    1. -Submarine flexible pipe intended for the transport of hydrocarbons comprising, from the outside to the inside of the pipe:
    - an external polymeric sheath,
    - at least one layer of tensile armor (12,14) as a reinforcing layer,
    - an internal polymeric sealing sheath (20),
    - optionally a metal carcass (22), characterized in that the external polymeric sealing sheath comprises an external polymeric layer (8) comprising a polymer P e which coats an internal polymeric layer (10) comprising a polymer P ,, the module Young's at 20 ° C of the polymer P e being lower than that of the polymer P ,.
    [2" id="c-fr-0002]
    2. - A pipe according to claim 1, in which the polymer P e of the external polymer layer (8) has a Young's modulus at 20 ° C of less than 500 MPa, in particular less than 300 MPa, and the polymer P of internal polymer layer (10) has a Young's modulus at 20 ° C greater than 500 MPa, in particular greater than 700 MPa, preferably greater than 1000 MPa.
    [3" id="c-fr-0003]
    3. - Pipe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer P e of the outer polymeric layer 8 has a Young's modulus at 20 ° C from 200 to 300 MPa.
    [4" id="c-fr-0004]
    4. - Pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bonding resistance between the internal polymeric layer (10) and the external polymeric layer (8) from 1 to 10 N / m, preferably from 2 to 6 N / m.
    [5" id="c-fr-0005]
    5. - Pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, not comprising a binder between the outer polymeric layer (8) and the inner polymeric layer (10).
    [6" id="c-fr-0006]
    6. - Pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the polymer P, of the internal polymeric layer (10) is made of polyolefin, in particular of homopolymer polyethylene, homopolymer polypropylene, of polyethylene and polypropylene copolymer or in mixture of these.
    [7" id="c-fr-0007]
    7. - Pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the polymer P e of the outer polymeric layer (8) is made of elastomeric thermoplastic polymer.
    [8" id="c-fr-0008]
    8. - Pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outer polymeric layer (8) and the inner polymeric layer (10) are obtained by coextrusion.
    [9" id="c-fr-0009]
    9. - Pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the external polymeric layer (8) is capable of being in contact with seawater.
    [10" id="c-fr-0010]
    10. - A method of preparing a pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 9 comprising the steps of:
    a) extrusion to form the internal polymeric sealing sheath (20), the extrusion possibly being carried out on a metal carcass (22),
    b) assembly of the internal polymeric sealing sheath (20) obtained in step a) with at least one sheet of tensile armor (12,14), then
    c) coextrusion of the external polymeric layer (8) and the internal polymeric layer (10) to form the external polymeric sealing sheath.
    [11" id="c-fr-0011]
    11. - Use of a pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for the transport of hydrocarbons.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2019129870A1|2019-07-04|
    FR3076337B1|2020-01-17|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    EP0147288A2|1983-12-22|1985-07-03|Institut Français du Pétrole|Hose showing a limited axial deformation under internal pressure|
    US20050115623A1|2002-03-28|2005-06-02|Alain Coutarel|Device for limiting the lateral buckling of armouring plies of a flexible pipe|
    WO2008017866A1|2006-08-11|2008-02-14|Bhp Billiton Petroleum Pty Ltd|Reinforced hose|
    US20100101675A1|2007-03-21|2010-04-29|Anh Tuan Do|Flexible pipe for conveying hydrocarbons and having a reinforced maintain layer|US11112035B2|2019-03-28|2021-09-07|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|System and method for securing fittings to flexible pipe|
    US11148904B2|2019-12-19|2021-10-19|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Expandable coil deployment system for drum assembly and method of using same|
    US11204114B2|2019-11-22|2021-12-21|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Reusable pipe fitting systems and methods|
    US11208257B2|2016-06-29|2021-12-28|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Pipe coil skid with side rails and method of use|
    US11231145B2|2015-11-02|2022-01-25|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Real time integrity monitoring of on-shore pipes|
    US11231134B2|2014-09-30|2022-01-25|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Connector for pipes|
    US11242948B2|2019-11-22|2022-02-08|Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC|Potted pipe fitting systems and methods|FR2837898B1|2002-03-28|2004-07-16|Coflexip|FLEXIBLE TUBULAR PIPE WITH POLYMERIC SHEATH IN ELASTOMERIC THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER|
    FR2885672B1|2005-05-11|2007-06-22|Technip France Sa|FLEXIBLE TUBULAR CONDUIT WITH ANTI-WEAR SHEATH|
    EP2513543B1|2009-12-15|2019-07-17|National Oilwell Varco Denmark I/S|An unbonded, flexible pipe|
    法律状态:
    2018-12-21| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |
    2019-07-05| PLSC| Publication of the preliminary search report|Effective date: 20190705 |
    2019-12-20| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |
    2020-12-18| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 4 |
    2021-12-28| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 5 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    FR1763362A|FR3076337B1|2017-12-29|2017-12-29|FLEXIBLE UNDERWATER PIPE COMPRISING A MULTI-LAYERED OUTER SHEATH|
    FR1763362|2017-12-29|FR1763362A| FR3076337B1|2017-12-29|2017-12-29|FLEXIBLE UNDERWATER PIPE COMPRISING A MULTI-LAYERED OUTER SHEATH|
    PCT/EP2018/097114| WO2019129870A1|2017-12-29|2018-12-28|Flexible undersea pipeline comprising a multi-layered external sheath|
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