Flexible pipe body and method of producing same

摘要

A flexible pipe body and methods of producing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The method may include providing a tubular length of polymeric material for forming a polymeric layer of flexible pipe body; providing a strength layer radially outwards of the polymeric layer; and treating the polymeric layer with a non-ambient temperature and pressure.

主权项

1. A method of producing a flexible pipe body for sub-sea transporting of production fluids, the method comprising:
forming a pipe body comprising an inner tubular thermoplastic layer and a strength layer lying radially outwards over a radially outer portion of the thermoplastic layer, the strength layer having gaps between adjacent windings thereof; and treating a radially inner surface of the thermoplastic layer with an organic solvent so as to increase elasticity of the thermoplastic layer only at the inner surface, said treating conducted by pumping the solvent through the pipe body so as to only contact the inner surface without dissolving polymer of the thermoplastic layer, wherein said treating reduces microcrazing in the thermoplastic layer that would otherwise result from internal pressurization of the pipe body causing the radially outer portion of the thermoplastic layer to push between said gaps.