Airborne Wins Brazilian Gig from Saipem

Airborne has been awarded a contract by Saipem SA for the engineering, fabrication & delivery of a 2500 meter downline for the Guara & Lula project. The 3 inch ID downline will be used at around 2200 meter water depth for the Pre-Commissioning of the Guara & Lula-NE Gasline Project.

By winning this contract Airborne will deliver the first composite pipe meant for the deepest application worldwide. This contract is awarded due to the following unique benefits of the pipe system:

• Vacuum capability. The pipe can sustain vacuum during the flooding operation
• Smooth bore with high collapse rating. The liner is fully bonded to the fibre reinforcement, resulting in a smooth bore with low friction whilst maintaining very high collapse pressures
• Extreme light-weight. Airborne estimates that the top tension is 60% lower in proportion to a conventional flexible
• Excellent fatigue properties. The solid wall pipe results in a proven & predictable high fatigue life for the pipe
• Lower total cost of operation. Due to the light-weight and other benefits as mentioned, the total operation (OPEX) can be conducted more cost-effective
• Total system integration capability. Airborne supplies the full system of Downline, Reel and Bend Restrictors, reducing the logistics and risks for the client

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Source: Airborne, November 9, 2011