Research & Development

The NKT flexible pipe and the end-fittings are designed using a combination of qualified software as well as recognized externally developed calculation tools. In the detailed design of the pipe system and the end-fitting, finite element analysis is used both as support for the analytical approach and for verification purposes. Detailed investigations are carried out for several specific requirements in order to ensure an optimum design of flexible pipe structure, end-fittings and the flexible pipe regarded as a system.

PVdF
NKT’s flexible pipe solution for high temperature applications is to use an unplasticized PVdF grade. The PVdF grade is a co-polymer where the individual PVdF molecules are chemically bound to the molecules of the plasticising component.

Extremely High Temperature Applications
Reservoir fluids exceeding +130°C cannot be conveyed through flexible pipes without prior cooling. In order to facilitate the need for temperature capabilities exceeding +150°C new polymer materials are being investigated.

Deep Water Applications
The exhaustion of more mature oil regions at relatively low water depths is constantly pushing the requirements for water depth capability of the flexible pipe products. With conventional technology the weight of the steel armour layers introduces limitations to the sizes and water depth of deep water flexible pipe. In order to further push the limits replacement of steel armour wires by composite materials is under development.

Condition Monitoring
Responding to the industry’s strong demand for means to determine the condition of a flexible pipe during its service life, NKT Flexibles can provide access to the newest technological developments. By incorporating optical fibres in the flexible pipe annulus it is possible to monitor the actual conditions to which the steel armour wires are subjected.