Flexible pipe - evaluation of pressure sheath thermoplastics

Flexible Pipe

Through internationally supported JIPs, MERL has been involved in the evaluation of pressure sheath thermoplastics (the fluid barrier in the schematic below). During this time MERL has developed and refined key qualification tests, gaining significant knowledge of chemical ageing and its influence on material performance.

Key sheath material properties

HP rapid gas decompression
Tensile properties (modulus, etc)
Fracture toughness
Crack growth fatigue
HP gas permeation
Fluid compatibility
Stress relaxation
Extrusion/creep

MERL can perform all of these key tests. In addition, the influence of chemical ageing on performance can be assessed through appropriate accelerated exposure tests.

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Materials Engineering Research Laboratory Limited is Wilbury Way,
Hitchin, Hertfordshire, UK, SG4 0TW.
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Polymer Engineering, Testing, Inspection, Research and Development, UK