18-Test Services for Offshore Insulation and Corrosion Protection Systems Flyer

Test Services for Offshore Insulation and Corrosion Protection Systems

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) provides facilities and numerous test capabilities for the offshore industry and manufacturers of insulation and corrosion protection materials. The SwRI Structural Engineering Department test facilities include ocean simulation test chambers, mechanical test equipment, technical assistance in setting up tests and procedures, and an experienced technical staff that includes support from SwRI corrosion engineers.

Mechanical testing of insulated sample subjected to three-point bend test

Capabilities

Cathodic disbondment/protection

Insulation materials testing

Hydrostatic water absorption

Thermal testing of insulation

Mechanical properties testss


Adhesion strength test on insulation samples to evaluate bonding strength of insulation to steel substrate

Experience

Measurement of thermal conductivity on both dry and wet (simulating flooded annulus) pipe insulation in a simulated subsea environment at water depths up to 6,800 feet

Testing and reporting of thermal conduc-tivity for pipe with dry insulation and wet insulation at atmospheric and pressure conditions

Measurement of temperature profile for inside and outside pipe surfaces as well as heat flux to measure heat escaping from the pipe

Insulated pipe samples being prepared for thermal shock test

Facilities

Underwater Engineering Laboratory with hydrostatic test chambers that can be used to simulate temperatures and ocean depths greater than 10,000 feet

Hot Oil Flow Unit to internally heat a pipe sample subjected to external pressure or ambient conditions

Typical plot of thermocouple sensors on insulated pipe undergoing cyclic thermal shock testing

Simulated service test of insulated pipe sample at 10,000-ft depth in 40°F salt-water with internal pipe temperature @ 280°F

This flyer was published in September 2007. For more information about Test Services for Offshore Insulation and Corrosion Protection Systems, contact Jessie I. Ramon, Manager, Phone (210) 522-2441, or Lee E. Ries, Sr. Engineering Technologist, Phone (210) 522-3061, Fax (210) 522-3485, Test and Evaluation Section, Department of Structural Engineering, Mechanical and Materials Engineering Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510.