Qualification of Composite Pipe

This paper describes the qualification process for a thermoplastic composite pipe manufactured for use in high-performance riser, jumper-spool, and intervention-line applications. The pipe is manufactured from polymer, carbon-fiber, and glass-fiber materials with an automated laser-based welding process.

Product Architecture

The body of the pipe contains no metallic components, only polymer and fibers. These pipes consist of a smooth-bore inner-pipe precursor, extruded from Victrex PEEK polymer, with a thin wall thickness onto which layers of composite tape are welded by laser to form the pipe wall laminate (Fig. 1 - above). This laminate can be any thickness and orientation of fibers, with the function of providing the strength and stiffness of the pipe.