Offshore/subsea systems

SwRI Adds New HP/HT Subsea Equipment and Systems Facility

Southwest Research Institute is adding a new facility to its capabilities in testing and evaluating subsea equipment and systems.

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Construction is underway (right) at Southwest Research Institute on a 5,000-sq.-ft extreme HP/HT facility, which will be available for use in July. Credit: Southwest Research Institute.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is adding a new facility to its capabilities in testing and evaluating subsea equipment and systems. One of the oldest, independent nonprofit research and development organizations in the US, the SwRI provides services to government and industry clients. In July, SwRI’s program will be enhanced when its 5,000-ft2 extreme high-pressure high-temperature (HP/HT) facility opens.

The facility will house a series of 13-in.-diameter pressure chambers that can accommodate up to 30,000 psig and temperatures up to 650°F. The chambers can be configured for casing pipe collapse testing under API-5C3 or for exposing other equipment to extreme conditions. Configurable test pits can be isolated and/or flooded as needed for special project requirements. Other features include 15- and 30-ton bridge cranes, two sample preparation areas, a dedicated control and observation room, and drive-through access for ease of loading and offloading test equipment.

“This facility complements a wide variety of facilities and equipment dedicated to testing and evaluating a range of offshore and subsea components,” said Joseph Crouch, program director of Marine and Offshore Systems in SwRI’s Mechanical Engineering Division. “With the addition of this facility, we will efficiently meet industry needs to validate oil country tubular goods and other equipment for use in high-pressure high-temperature conditions.”