Flexible pipe body and method of producing same

摘要

A flexible pipe body and method of producing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes a layer comprising a first elongate tape element and a further elongate tape element, the first and further tape elements being alternately wound in a helical manner such that each first tape element winding lies between further tape element windings, the first tape element having a cross sectional profile including a central body extending from a radially inner edge to a radially outer edge and first and further side lobes extending from the central body outwards along the radially inner edge, the further tape element having a cross sectional profile including a central body extending from a radially inner edge to a radially outer edge and first and further side lobes extending from the central body outwards along the radially outer edge, wherein a first side wall portion of the central body of the further tape element is provided in continuous sliding contact with one of the first or further side lobes of the first tape element.

主权项

1. Flexible pipe body, comprising:
a layer comprising a first elongate tape element and a further elongate tape element, the first and further tape elements suitable for being alternately wound in a helical manner such that each first tape element winding lies between further tape element windings, the first tape element having a cross sectional profile including a central body extending from a radially inner edge to a radially outer edge and first and further side lobes extending from the central body outwards along the radially inner edge, the further tape element having a cross sectional profile including a central body extending from a radially inner edge to a radially outer edge and first and further side lobes extending from the central body outwards along the radially outer edge, wherein a first side wall portion of the central body of the further tape element is provided in continuous sliding contact with one of the first or further side lobes of the first tape element, wherein, upon bending of the pipe, the first side wall portion of the further tape element slides against one of the first or further side lobes of the first tape element, and wherein the first and further tape element are shaped such that the first side wall portion of the further tape element can slide along the at least one side lobe simultaneously along radial and axial directions.